FAQ
Which certifications status has the Apis®?
What are the plans for certifications in the international market?		 The Apis® is certified according to the German Ultralight regulations. The type certification was issued on 4th of September 2003 (Type specification no. 61190).
We will start on the certifications for other countries.
Which licence do I need to fly the Apis® 2? In Germany you will need a valid Ultralight Licence for 3-axis control (Ultraleichtflugschein für dreiachsgesteuerte ULs (Luftsportgeräteführer, Beiblatt F) and as a "type rating" the solo pilot permit for gliders.
On which airports can I fly the Apis® 2? You can fly at any airfields which are certified for Ultralights. This can also be glider fields which have an extended certification for Ultralights
How is an Apis® 2 different from a self launching sailplane? The main advantage of the Apis® 2 are its easy and comfortable handling on the ground and in the air. Beginning with rigging the glider you will recognize that everything is a touch "lighter". An Apis® 2-wing weighs in at 36 kg (80 lbs). The glider can easily be moved around from just one person. And take-off without a wing runner is no problem at all. In flight you can feel the low weight as climb rate is very good. Don’t expect the Apis® 2 to run along with a Ventus 2 CM or a DG 800. But with a L/D of 39 you can keep up with most of the standard class gliders and is offering lots of fun for little money.
Is the Apis® 2 certified for winch and aerotow ? No, the German Ultralight certification does not contain provisions for winch or aerotow.
We are however looking into extended certification in other countries which will allow these additional take-off methods in the future.

What about the structural strength of the Apis® 2?

 The Apis® 2 proved the same strength and stiffness like modern gliders: Plus 5.3 g and minus 3.3 g with a safety factor of 1.9.
The load factors were demonstrated during an ultimate load test at 54 °C at the DLR (German Aerospace Center) in Stuttgart.

Are the flight characteristics of the Apis® 2 different from a modern glider?

 The take-off weight of the Apis® 2 is 300 kg; its empty weight including the engine is 204 kg.
The very short take-off distance of the Apis® 2 results from the slightly lower weight. In flight - for example during thermal flights - the Apis® 2 acts docile and harmonic like a modern glider. The Apis® 2 has a light handling without being nervous.