Pivotal has become the first Advanced Air Mobility aircraft manufacturer in North America to earn AS9100D certification for its quality management system.
This certification for aviation, space, and defense organizations marks a significant transition for the company as it prepares to ramp up manufacturing of the Helix aircraft.
The accreditation follows a year-long collaboration with Verify Inc. and a comprehensive multi-site audit of the company’s Palo Alto manufacturing facilities. In addition to AS9100D, the company also earned ISO9001:2015 certification, issued by the accredited registrar IAOCP Systems Certification Body.
The AS9100D standard validates that a manufacturer meets rigorous benchmarks for operational discipline, risk management, and supply chain integrity. For aerospace original equipment manufacturers, this certification signals active risk management in all critical operations, often leading to greater recognition from global regulators and agencies such as the FAA, EASA, NASA, and the Department of Defense.
Ken Karklin, CEO of Pivotal, said, “Earning AS9100D certification is a necessary achievement for Pivotal. It reflects the rigor of our processes, the strength of our team, and our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and world-class quality as we scale production and expand access to the sky through the power of simplified flight.”
The scope of the registration covers the design, manufacture, support, and operation of aircraft incorporating simplified flight controls and autonomous capabilities. These systems are engineered for manned, unmanned, and optionally piloted missions across personal aviation, public safety, and defense sectors for both domestic and international markets.
By integrating quality protocols into various business functions, the company aims to ensure that safety remains a collective responsibility across the workforce.
Matt Hubert, Vice President Quality and MRO, Pivotal, added, “Quality isn’t just a standard at Pivotal—it’s foundational to everything we do as we manufacture light eVTOL aircraft. Every member of our team understands and proudly owns their role in strengthening our quality management system, supporting safe and reliable operations, and ensuring we deliver aircraft that reflect our commitment to excellence.”
