The Austrian company Volare GmbH carried out successful tests with its Apeleon prototype. In a multi-stage test program, the flight characteristics of the aircraft were evaluated and important findings were collected for the next phase, prototype development. "Flight testing is an important part of aircraft development in order to validate mathematical models and ultimately the novel concept. The tests show which screws we still have to turn in the future," says Managing Director Andreas Fürlinger. The demonstrator is operated like a drone as an RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System), i.e. by a pilot from the ground, within line of sight. This requires an operating license from the Austrian aviation authority Austro Control. After intensive cooperation, Apeleon received flight test approval from Austro Control for its demonstrator in the "Specific" category for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems). This required a so-called SORA - Specific Operations Risk Assessment. This is a multi-stage, standardized risk analysis procedure for the use of civil drones to ensure that the drone flight can be carried out without endangering or disturbing uninvolved third parties. "The entire drone sector is currently undergoing incredibly dynamic development. Innovative ideas and new technological possibilities are opening up ever more diverse areas of application. As an aviation authority, Austro Control supports young companies such as Apeleon when it comes to enabling the testing of new technical solutions in a safe environment," says Valerie Hackl, Managing Director of Austro Control. The next phase is prototype development. In the next few years, the aircraft will be developed and built in its original size and will serve as the basis for aircraft approval and series production. Fürlinger emphasizes: "It is important to also explore innovative and future-oriented topics in Austria.