The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed B4UFLY (free to download!) for recreational users – those who typically fly their drones for fun. Via interactive maps, it displays to recreational pilots what areas are safe for flight and what areas are flight prohibited.
After facing non-favorable criticism of the original app, the FAA partnered with drone software maker Kittyhawk to redevelop the app and improve user experience. The redesigned app uses Kittyhawk’s airspace controller, Dynamic Airspace, to manage real-time flight restrictions, authorizations and guidance.
The new app is simple to use – users open the app and it detects the user’s location and informs them of any nearby areas with flight restrictions.
The app is also integrated with Mapbox (and open-source mapping platform) that is currently used by both Snapchat and the Weather Channel app.
Please note, it does not allow users to obtain airspace authorizations to fly in controlled airspace. These authorizations are only available through the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).
Per the FAA website, key features of B4UFLY are:
A clear "status" indicator that informs the operator whether it is safe to fly or not. (For example, it shows flying in the Special Flight Rules Area around Washington, D.C. is prohibited.)
Informative, interactive maps with filtering options.
Information about controlled airspace, special use airspace, critical infrastructure, airports, national parks, military training routes and temporary flight restrictions.
The ability to check whether it is safe to fly in different locations by searching for a location or moving the location pin.
Links to other FAA drone resources and regulatory information.
The new B4UFLY app is currently available to download for free at the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android.