FAA Announces Model Aircraft Safety Smartphone App
Photo: Federal Aviation Administration.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced a new smartphone app designed to let model unmanned aircraft operators know if there are any restrictions that prohibit flight in their location called B4UFly.
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta says the app will include the most up to date information and have an intuitive interface with simple icons that let users know if their location lies within proximity of an airport, restricted airspace or national parks.
A list view will provide pertinent information including whether or not it is OK to fly, and a map view will provide a visual explanation.
B4UFy will tell users if action is required before flying, including notifying nearby air traffic controllers before flying with contact information embedded right into the interface.
The app also contains a flight planner that allows users to choose a future time and location to determine if the operation is allowed.
According to Jim Williams, manager of the FAA’s UAS Integration office, the app does not, however, remove the need for model aircraft users to exercise caution at all times and conduct operations safely and responsibly.
Parties seriously interested in helping the FAA test the new app can email B4UFLY@faa.gov to join the beta test group. The app will initially only be available on the Apple app store, but the administration plans to expand to Android in the future.
