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FAA's new B4UFLY app makes it easier to know where drones are allowed
The FAA's free app that kept drone pilots aware of "no fly zones" performed a much-needed service -- but had few fans. The federal agency teamed up with drone software maker Kittyhawk to create a new version of the B4UFLY app that is being released today. The revamped app makes use of Kittyhawk's airspace controller, Dynamic Airspace, to manage real-time flight restrictions, authorizations and guidance.
There are over 770,000 registered drone owners in the US
Over 770,000 drone owners have registered to fly in the US since the FAA made it mandatory in December 2015, Administrator Michael Huerta told drone group AUVSI yesterday. As Recode notes, that's up from 670,000 at the beginning of the year, meaning 100,000 users have signed up in the last three months alone. The FAA has also issued 37,000 Remote Pilot Certificates that let drone owners do filming, inspection and other commercial operations.
As drones get smarter, so must their owners
On Sunday, April 17th, British Airways flight BA727 from Geneva to London was coming in for a landing when the pilot saw something -- reportedly a drone -- strike the front of the aircraft. The collision was said to have happened above Richmond Park, an area where drone flying is prohibited (but not because of its proximity to the airport). Perhaps more worrying was that the impact happened at 1,700 feet -- well above the 400-foot height limit for all drone flights in the UK, even in permissible areas. Fortunately, BA727 landed safely and without incident. It was also probably a false alarm. But with more and more amateur drone pilots taking to the skies, how long until it happens for real?
FAA's B4UFLY app tells drone operators if it's okay to fly
Flying drones is a lot more complicated than it used to be. These days, drone pilots need to register their toys with the FAA, be aware of drone-specific laws and even notify local airports of their flights in certain sceneries. It's a lot to keep track of, which is why the FAA has released B4UFLY, a smartphone app designed to keep drone users informed.
FAA starts testing its drone safety app
Back in May, the Federal Aviation Administration announced plans to test an app for drone hobbyists that'll ensure they're flying in approved airspace. The mobile software appears to be on schedule as B4UFLY is now in closed beta for iOS. Up to 1,000 UAV users will test the app that's primarily aimed at keeping you informed about which areas are safe to fly. In addition to interactive maps, the software serves up location-based status alerts and sorts future flight plans. That status report takes into account "airspace, proximity to airports, temporary flight restrictions, current law and other FAA guidance and procedures," according to the FAA's announcement. The agency says the beta will last for "several months" before the app is made available to the public. And while the test is iOS-only, the FAA plans to make the full version compatible with Android devices as well.
FAA gets help from CNN for its new commercial drone-testing program
As part of its effort to work with companies on advancing drone use here in the States, the Federal Aviation Administration announced two initiatives today that'll do just that. First, a testing program called Pathfinder will encompass CNN's existing exploration of the UAVs for news coverage with the expertise of two other companies. Rounding out the trio, PrecisionHawk will focus on surveying rural areas and BNSF Railway will use drones to inspect its tracks. As it turns out, those companies contacted the FAA directly, and Pathfinder will continue so long as the partners are willing. The FAA already gave Amazon the OK to conduct tests for its delivery drones and gave AIG permission to use UAVs for insurance inspection purposes. It also approved a commercial crop-dusting drone for agricultural use. Even though those companies have to submit reports to the FAA, the aforementioned threesome is working directly with the government as part of the newly announced project.
