While not all drone flights require airspace authorization, pilots need airspace familiarization to safely and legally operate their drone. The B4UFLY mobile app provided by FAA uses interactive maps to help recreational pilots identify where it is safe to fly. Manufacturer-provided and third-party apps often have tools which can increase your knowledge of the local airspace. These apps alone, however, won’t allow you to fly in controlled airspace. For authorization to fly in controlled airspace, you must request it through one of the FAA’s approved LAANC UAS service suppliers. 

With so many different apps, it’s critical to know what each provides and how to properly interpret and apply the information. Below are excerpts from three de-identified ASRS reports that describe other UAS pilots’ challenges with apps and some lessons learned.