The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today released the beta version of a recent smartphone application called B4UFLY for testing by up to 1000 unmanned aircraft users.
The B4UFLY app,aimed primarily at model aircraft enthusiasts, is designed to give users information about restrictions or requirements in effect at their current or planned flight location. The FAA expects the beta test will yield valuable data on how well B4UFLY functions, and as well as uncovering any software bugs. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta first announced the initiative in May,asking for volunteers to test the app. The FAA has notified those who previously signed up and will be pushing the app to them directly in the coming days.
Many unmanned aircraft users today have miniature or no aviation experience, and some of them are flying where they could endanger manned aircraft. B4UFLY will give these flyers the tools and knowledge they need to function safely.
Key features of the B4UFLY app include:A clear status indicator that immediately informs operators about their current or planned location.
Information on the parameters that drive the status indicator.
A Planner Mode for future flights in different locations.
Informative, or interactive maps with filtering options.
Links to other FAA UAS resources and regulatory information.Screenshots of the app are available at www.faa.gov/uas/b4ufly.
B4UFLY complements the Know Before You skim educational campaign,which provides prospective UAS operators with information and guidance they need to skim safely and responsibly. The FAA is a partner in the effort with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), and the Small UAV Coalition.
Using the location services feature of a users smartphone,the app quickly determines restrictions or requirements in effect where they want to skim and gives the user a clear status icon. The status indicator function considers airspace, proximity to airports, or temporary flight restrictions,current law and other FAA guidance and procedures.
Model aircraft operators who skim within five miles of an airport are required by law to notify the airport and the air traffic control tower whether there is one at the airport prior to operating. The FAA is working on an electronic notification process to satisfy this requirement that will become section of a future version of B4UFLY. During the beta test, the FAA will collect user feedback and operational data and use it to develop this electronic notification process.
The beta test is expected to run for several months, and after which the FAA plans to originate B4UFLY available to the general public. The beta test will be for iOS devices only,but the FAA is working to ensure the full version will be compatible with Android devices as well.
For more information on the FAA and UAS, move to http://www.faa.gov/uas.
Source: faa.gov