After completing initial beta testing, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday released a Smartphone app to enable users of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to fly their aircraft more safely in the national airspace.
The B4UFLY app is now available for Apple [AAPL] devices and the FAA released a beta version for Android devices. The apps can be downloaded from Apple and Google [GOOG] respectively.
“We expect B4UFLY will help raise public awareness about what it means to operate unmanned aircraft safely,” Michael Huerta, FAA administrator, said at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. “It is another important part of our education and awareness efforts to foster a culture of safety and accountability for the UAS community.”
The app tells UAS users about current or upcoming requirements and restrictions in areas of the National Airspace System and where they may want to operate their aircraft.
The app also includes enhancements the FAA made based on user feedback during the beta testing, which was announced in May 2015. The FAA said that it takes just two taps to know if it is safe for users to fly at their current location.
The app also features a status indictor telling users whether to proceed with caution, warning that action is required, or if a flight is prohibited. The app also features a planner mode that allows users to select a different time and location for an upcoming flight and determine if there are any restriction at that place and time.
Recreational UAS users that want to fly their aircraft within five miles of an airport are still required by law to notify the airport operator and air traffic control facility before flying.
Market estimates put the number of recreational drone sales at over 400,000 during the recent holiday season, according to Dronelife.com, a website devoted to enhancing consumer awareness about UAS.