World Premiere in eVTOL Testing: ADAC Luftrettung Pilots Fly VoloCity with SimX Ground Station for the First Time

May 28, 2026

In a global first, experienced non-test pilots operate an eVTOL aircraft in a real-world environment under supervision.

A major milestone for the future of urban air mobility and air rescue: pilots from the non-profit organization ADAC Luftrettung have, for the first time, operated a VoloCity eVTOL under supervision - supported by the SimX Ground Station. What makes this achievement unique is that, for the first time worldwide, experienced pilots outside the traditional circle of test pilots have flown such an aircraft using VR-assisted systems.

For the participants, this marked a rare and valuable opportunity: for the first time, they were able to transfer their extensive operational and technical expertise to an entirely new aircraft concept. The tests provided key insights into usability, situational awareness, and the interaction between pilot and ground station.

Aaron Erd - “This first flight represents an important step toward making eVTOL technology accessible for real-world deployment. Having air rescue pilots - not just test pilots - operate such a system under realistic conditions is a decisive step toward scaling and broad acceptance of this technology.”

Focus Areas of the Testing Included:

• Transferability of existing helicopter and fixed-wing pilot experience to new flight concepts
• User-friendliness and efficiency of the ground station
• Interaction between aircraft, pilot, and ground infrastructure
• Gathering valuable feedback from future real-world operators

The insights gained form an important foundation for advancing training concepts, operational procedures, and safety standards in handling eVTOL systems. At the same time, they highlight the potential for integrating innovative aircraft into existing rescue and mobility frameworks.

Matthias Sing - “The flight characteristics are impressive. The aircraft is very stable and responds precisely to control inputs. With the VoloCity, we have an excellent platform for deploying this new technology in our initial pilot operations.”

This joint research project underscores the partners’ commitment to testing technological innovations at an early stage under realistic conditions and actively shaping the next generation of air rescue. The combination of ADAC Luftrettung’s decades of operational experience and the advanced simulation and control technology of the SimX Ground Station creates a unique foundation for future developments.

Source : Volocopter