WHERE CAN I FLY LEGALLY?

Many of our new and existing customers ask “Where can I fly my drone legally?”

The FAA has different sets of rules for commercial operators and hobbyists that define where and when you can fly legally. The FAA has developed an Android and iOS app assisting commercial and hobby operators on where they can fly their drone legally. The FAA application is called B4UFLY and can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store. The B4UFLY app uses the GPS in your phone or tablet to determine your location on the map, then informs you if it is safe/legal to fly at this location. The B4UFLY app does have some issues, as the map function does not allow users to view the flight status of locations other than where the device is currently.

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/b4ufly/id992427109?ls=1&mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.faa.b4ufly2

Another application that is gaining popularity and is used by the team here at Innovative UAS is AirMap. It is very similar to the FAA app, however it is much more intuitive and user friendly. The app has some interesting features, such as the ability to toggle maps for recreational/hobby purposes, commercial operators (both 107 and 333) or both at the same time. The app also has the ability to toggle on Temporary Flight Restrictions(TFR), wildfires, Prohibited Special Use Airspace, Restricted Special Use Airspace, National Parks, Heliports and many more.

The app gives the user the ability to click anywhere on the map and it will report back to inform the user is safe/legal for flight at that location. The app will also provide the user with the suggested phone numbers used to contact the tower/airport to request authorization. With the creation of an account the user can pre-plan flights, as well as input aircraft for creating/saving flight plans. This app is free to download and is currently available for iOS and Android, we will provide links below to download.

AirMap can also be used via their web application, if you would like to use a larger screen.

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/airmap-for-drones/id1042824733?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.airmap.airmap

Web App: https://app.airmap.io/