AirAware - an App for Recreational Pilots.

Flying recreationally? This is the app for you...
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[@felixarm]

Love this collaboration! Glad to see someone step up and make things easier for Recreational Pilots. Cheers team!

[@BIMLounge]

You guys are amazing. This is such a great resource for new and established drone pilots. Thanks!

[@gordonperry6086]

Great presentation. I've played with AirAware a few times and did quite of bit of head-scratching. After watching this video , no more head-scratching. Well done sir. Thank you Greg.

[@OpaFPV]

Thank you Greg for the great video and thank you for sponsoring AirAware! We at FPV Freedom Coalition work with both Pilot Institute and Aloft and both companies do a LOT for us in recreational flying. Please support them both! Dave Messina, Pres & CEO FPV Freedom Coalitoin and CEO of Flite Test.

[@MARKTClark]

Very well done, Greg. Thank you for this video.

[@inmyfreetyme]

GREAT information to know about. Thanks so very much 4 sharing. Keep the videos coming. Cheers !! 😎😎

[@davidgeyer1929]

I don't agree that this app and its predecessor have no usefulness to Part 107 pilots. I use it when I'm in an area that I'm not familiar with as a simple tool to tell me if I need to bring up the Air Control app. Why? Because Air Control logs me out all the time. Every time I open it I have to log in again. This app is faster and simpler. In a few seconds I can find out if I need the slower, more complicated app. Often as not I don't.

[@terrydugas4690]

Your organization is a great source of information.

[@365potatochips2]

Just did download app. It’s awesome very useful handy Thanks

[@uptopmikep7065]

Excellent overview of the app. Very useful app. It's great. Thanks!

[@BaMaKaDePhotography]

thanks for this very instructive video. I'm going to California (from France) in 2 months and flying a drone in the US is now crystal clear for me 👍

[@PilotInstitute]

Bonne visite en Californie!

[@BaMaKaDePhotography]

Merci 🤩

[@RebelByNature]

I assume this is and will continue to be available also as a web site, same functionality, same support, you can use on your laptop? It's nice to do some pre planning that way.

[@baggedbunny27]

Super sweet! Thank you

[@RonaldBrown59]

The apps looks great, thanks for the update.

[@kennethmiller590]

I'd love to see the airspaces displayed the same colors as your 107 course! :)

[@dronyland]

Great work on the app. Android user here, so I also love see an app that support those phone, other than those only focused on Apple. 👍 (PS: Learning about my part 107 exam, after getting your course. Nice work there as well!)

[@bwhog]

Honestly, I think the part 107 requirements were written to dissuade applicants. I mean, the rules say a 400 ft height limit as well as a limit on flight time capability... I don't care what's happening at 10k ft. I also don't care about METAR data since it doesn't really apply to such flights. I can look at see what the weather is within line of sight for the allowable duration of my flight. I also don't care what's happening on the other side of the mountain since I'm restricted to line of sight. IMO, there also ought to be no "0 ft" restrictions except within a 1/4 mile of the end of a runway. Otherwise, in any residential area, it ought to be 50 ft. (Trees and such are often higher.) I'd rather see a second class with far less restrictions (Call it "107 class 1") of 1/2# to 5# and then the current system (call it 107 class II) for 5# and up, but with auth up to 750' ft in uncontrolled areas, allowable flight capability of to four hours, and pretty easy approval for scheduled use up to 1,000 ft and beyond LOS in those same areas.

[@Errr717]

@@bwhog While I was studying for my Part 107 exam, I had the same thoughts about the rules and regulations that you needed to study for the test. Now that I've had the certificate for 6 years and even though I don't fly as often as before I now think that the FAA wanted the Part 107 pilots to be aware of aviation rules in general. I now have a much better appreciation for the purpose of the test. When DJI first instituted geo-fencing I though it was totally dumb to limit my ability to fly in a parking lot surrounded by 50' tall trees. I still think it's dumb for FAA to basically follow the same kind of rule. I think a manned aircraft pilot has other things to worry about if he's in the are of the tall trees like if he's that low he's probably too busy trying to get his plane back up. I think some of your other ideas make sense especially given how well drones can now be controlled.

[@gregpate4554]

Maybe add a preflight safety checklist to the current checklist. Example check surroundings, airspace, propellers ext. before takeoff.

[@Errr717]

I think the Checklist might have better visibility if you put it in the left left hand side pancake stack.

[@sampedregon1388]

Thank you so much for providing a great tool for the recreational flyers! So much is about Part 107 flyers, and I get it. But, recreational flyers are often left out. I've been flying drones all the way back to the original DJI Phantom and before. Thanks again, Sam / Colorado

[@Widflyinghigh]

Thanks!

[@DroneUpp]

Very nice app! I just downloaded it!

[@caesar5555]

Awesome app! Thanks!!!! No. You dont have to register your drone (if its under 250g)

[@PickleballRevolution]

Seems like some of the other apps we use to use for checking airspace have changed or been canceled. Is this a good app to use now for getting approvals for us Non Rec. pilots?

[@courtneygillespie2601]

Thanks so much for the information. My question is I registered my drone 12/27 but I haven't got my stickers yet. I got my register number in a email from FAA.

[@philiposangel]

One important note about the Notify & Fly feature: as you mentioned, only other Aloft users will see the notification you sent out through Notify & Fly, NOT other manned aircrafts nor control towers etc.

[@OpaFPV]

Correct. There is effectively no communication now or planned between manned aircraft pilots and sUAS. Also, the Unmanned Traffic Management system will not have a connection with ATC. We at FPV Freedom Coalition along with Pilot Institute and Aloft have been advocating communication of the location of sUAS to manned aircraft as well as other ways to communicate. So far, the FAA is not interested. Dave Messina, President & CEO, FPV Freedom Coalition and CEO, Flite Test.

[@Frank-uf2vn]

I noticed at 7:40 into the video at the checklist you mentioned that you "have" to register your drone? Thats not necessarily true, if you have a 249g. drone and fly recreationally you dont have to register or have RID for your drone. The issue I have with this (and correct me if Im wrong) once you do register your drone (because your telling new pilots that dont know any better they have to) and it turns out you didn't have to, it's to late at that point because there's no going back once you have registered it, and that will go for any other drone you have or will own in the future!

[@Charlie-wq1gi]

As soon as I saw this I went the app store right away to down load it. Then, I read the reviews. People mentioning the AD's from the institute, having to open different outside apps and their load times are long are some of the problems mentioned. I do understand that it is Not complete yet according to the answers from the app developers so I think the best bet would be to Wait till it's complete. Looking forward to it will be complete Soon tm. 😎

[@PilotInstitute]

There are no ads in the app.

[@dougbarnowski5224]

@Charlie-wq1gi Stay off pornhub dude your killing your devices!

[@glbor]

@@PilotInstituteI don’t have to register my drone it’s under 250g What do I do with part of the checklist that related to registration ?

[@psi-ops1397]

@@glbor LAANC is only required, for sub 250 gram aircraft, when in controlled airspace. Therefor, if you intend to fly in controlled airspace, then you will be required use LAANC in which case you will need to register your drone. As an alternative, find a spot outside of controlled airspace. (USA only info)

[@psi-ops1397]

I've never seen an ad, and my load time is extremely fast while using a 6 year old Samsung Galaxy S10. It's brilliant IMO.

[@MananKakkar]

So for yellow areas it indicated that there could be TFRs but it doesn't show real-time TFRs?

[@vablaze]

I was checking an area today and it said "cautionary airspace with advisories". What does that exactly mean? It would be nice to be able to click on these phrases to get a detailed description

[@JimKilgo]

It would be nice for the controlled air space to show grids with the AGL limits.

[@PilotInstitute]

Working on that! I agree.

[@wesbarris]

The app only works in portrait mode. It needs to rotate so that it is useable no matter if you use your device in portrait or landscape mode.

[@dynalix]

Working fine in landscape mode for me on Android.

[@wesbarris]

@@dynalix On IOS it does not work in landscape mode.

[@azkwest]

Thanks for this. I live in Phoenix, a city which has ground restrictions as to where one can launch/land their drone. Given VLOS requirements, this essentially restricts where one can fly.. preventing flight anywhere but for 4 city-approved parks. None of this appears to be called out in the new app. What's the best way to find out about the local regulations?

[@PilotInstitute]

Here you go. Restrictions per state. pilotinstitute.com/drones/federal/

[@backyard3749]

Flying recreational, you still need to register and put stickers on? For a

[@Pepesplants]

This is off topic but I wonder if you know the answer to this issue. How I can set the height on my Mini 4 Pro to 50 feet instead of the default minimum of 65 feet? Asked for LAANC permission and it said I could fly up to 50 feet then was unable to fly. The drone defaults to a minimum of 65 feet.

[@Sommyie]

Fly under 50ft manually?

[@Lincoweed]

Thanks for the video came at the perfect time... Just got my drone registered with FAA and stickers from you on the way and trust test completed... In the process of studying for 107 from pilot institute. I am part of County Govt but their insurance wanted me to get my 107 in the mean time i am a rec pilot is that correct?

[@OpaFPV]

Correct, you may fly under 44809, the recreational exception. You may ONLY fly for your own enjoyment. If you are flying for the County Govt, you need the part 107. Dave Messina, Pres & CEO, FPV Freedom Coalition and CEO, Flite Test.

[@peteryoas]

So what app would be recommended for part 107 users?

[@trains4one]

250 grams is the weight limit that requires a drone to be registered. Would you recommend registering a drone up to 249 grams?

[@YellowRoseDrones]

Shared

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

I always fly in the back of school parking lot and fields early in the morning

[@OpaFPV]

Are they in controlled airspace? If yes, you need air space authorization (LAANC) approval to fly there. Are they within 25 miles of a large sports stadium? If yes, you need to check TFRs. That's why Air Aware is so great!

[@shsechas]

Thanks for that, but for now I'll wait until the app is finalized. It's surely interesting and worth a try when complete.

[@PilotInstitute]

The app is finalized. Any new updates will be pushed via the store to the existing app.

[@shsechas]

Thank you for your response@@PilotInstitute

[@OpaFPV]

I suggest the app as-is is one of the few resources available to recreational (44809) operators. Try it out, especially if you fly in controlled airspace. The TFR alert alone is great. The app is linked to another Aloft app, Air Control which has LAANC approval submission. That will be integrated into Air Aware. Dave Messina, Pres & CEO, FPV Freedom Coalition and CEO, Flite Test.

[@shsechas]

Convinced me that I really should give it a try. I do live within 5 miles of an airport and looks like this app can be easier to understand. Actually I feel most might be more confused with getting LAANC approval which still will open the Air Control. Thanks for the reply@@OpaFPV

[@psi-ops1397]

I just signed up for the 107 Class, and then ran over to the site to grab stickers however, it asks for seperate numbers for each aircraft, and specifically states not to enter duplicate numbers. On the FAA site it says to mark all of your drones with the same number. Am I misreading something? or should I just enter ignore the "Do not enter duplicate numbers" message and enter the same number?

[@DerickPelser]

Does the app really include ground restrictions as here in GA all state parks and WMA have drone restrictions.

[@PilotInstitute]

No but you can visit pilotinstitute.com/drones/state/ for more information on local restrictions.

[@verasluis]

Integrate within the app the ability to notify the altitude, not just 400ft AGL but any altitude. Some areas are 200 or 100. You are not going to notify 400ft on an area that is 200ft. do you know what I mean? This should be done for aloft or any other app, as well and airAware.

[@PilotInstitute]

With notify and fly, it will add the altitude to the block of airspace. Not just 400 but whatever you were approved for.

[@WVRailroadPapa]

I enjoyed the video. I have a DJI Mini 3 Pro that weighs 249g. According to what i have checked, drones under 250g are not required to be registered with the FAA. Is this still true?

[@PilotInstitute]

If flown recreationally, that’s correct.

[@WVRailroadPapa]

@PilotInstitute thanks. I have been trying to use the app but with no success at the moment. I will try watching your video again. Also could you explain what to do after receiving authorization. Does it make a difference that you have a DJI Smart Controller?

[@PilotInstitute]

No difference with a Smart Controller but you might need to get DJI approval as well, depending on how close you are to the airport.

[@THESocialJusticeWarrior]

Darn! I live in a red zone because of an Air Force base many miles away! Can't fly in my own yard :(

[@kenmack3713]

I am a recreational drone flyer and I use the air control app is this OK or do I need the air aware app also or instead of ?

[@PilotInstitute]

If you use AIr Control, you don't need Air Aware.

[@scottnadeau5280]

I played with both apps but I can click on a state prison click right in their yard and it tells me it’s OK to fly or take off no restrictions shouldn’t that be a red zone? Absolutely no flight. ????

[@davegray3253]

Not in the App store. Does this appear with a different name?

[@davegray3253]

Ok, found it, but it doesn't appear (for me) in a direct search by name. Instead, choose another app (Air Control) and look down in the "Other Apps by This Developer" and there it is.

[@chuck942]

You say you have to get your drone registered? Except for sub 250 gram drones flying only recreationally after obtaining their TRUST, right?

[@RebelByNature]

I agree, assume you are talking about the checklist portion of the video. The Registered check item should not be there, or at least be qualified as "if drone is over 250g" as it is not a requirement as stated that the drone be registered. In particular, if you are flying a DJI Mini 4 with standard batteries you should technically NOT register the drone or you will be technically breaking the rules. As of the dec firmware update, the mini 4 will no longer automatically broadcast RID when using the standard batteries (but it will continue doing so with the Plus batteries). If you register a Mini 4, it is required to broadcast RID, which it won't do if using the standard batteries. So there is a very good reason NOT to register your Mini 4 drone if you are flying recreationally (point of this video) using standard batteries, besides the obvious of it not being required and there is no advantage to doing so.

[@RetreadPhoto]

It’s like the checklists on the manned aircraft side. If an item of a checklist doesn’t apply, like “PAX Briefing” you just acknowledge it’s not applicable and move on to the next. If it does apply, you do it or acknowledge that it was already done.

[@RebelByNature]

@@RetreadPhoto I hear you. Where does this information go? If nowhere, what is the point? If it goes somewhere then that is a concern or unnecessary at best. Why should I check anything, just ignore it after verifying airspace is clear or authorized through LAANC and start flying. This isn't a manned aircraft after all. We don't need no stinking checklists 🤣

[@RetreadPhoto]

@@RebelByNature nowhere, best I can tell. GPS and the checklist even work in airplane mode. It’s just a tool attached to another tool. Worst case, when connected? Some data vault at Aloft that nobody will ever see.

[@RebelByNature]

@@RetreadPhoto So why bother then with checking the stuff off?

[@Chic047]

I like the App but needs a Weather section like the Air Control App.

[@dougbarnowski5224]

@Chic047 Dont NEED weather in this app, Their are other perfectly good apps for that!

[@Chic047]

Just seems more convenient with it all in one app

[@philiposangel]

“Three layer cheesecake” icon 😂

[@qasim1977]

Why not just press notify and fly??

[@OpaFPV]

Do you mean, why doesn't the FAA endorse Notify and Fly? We have been trying to get them to. Was that they question?

[@RebelByNature]

It's not required, so it comes down to personal choice. Some aren't interested in advertising that they area actively flying a drone in an area.

[@independentdronechannel170]

🙂👍

[@Thunder_Dome45]

Hard to believe you can't fly into an army base and buzz a fighter jet. The FAA is no fun.

[@1Esteband]

It seems identical to B4UFLY. What’s the difference ?

[@PilotInstitute]

We explain all of that in the video ;)

[@1Esteband]

@@PilotInstitute hehe sorry I missed that part. Thank you.

[@ScottishPouge]

Kittyhawk is a no for me. Changing thier name to Aloft wont deter my determination. Edit: I like pilot institute, but i feel like several rules where either over looked or mistated.

[@PilotInstitute]

Which rules?

[@ScottishPouge]

@@PilotInstitute I do keep hearing 400ft is the max altitude you can fly, and correct me if it's changed. "400ft over what you are filming." Never have I seen a distinction between recreational or part 107 on this rule.

[@ScottishPouge]

Err regardless. Most companies that I have seen thus far use these laanc apps to promote other products. Sure they are free to use, which is good for the avg user.

[@mlentsch]

Hilarious. TFR? LoL!!

[@PilotInstitute]

What’s funny about TFR? Some of them can land you in jail or with huge fines.

[@mlentsch]

@@PilotInstitute Only if you allow your flight to be tracked... gosh - somehow this wasn't a problem for decades.... You should defend yourself against government overreach. Don't just fold like a cuck.

[@PilotInstitute]

TFR have been a thing for a LONG time. Longer than you have been flying.

[@mlentsch]

@@PilotInstitute Of course, everyone knows that... but not for park-flyers.

[@mr.eggplant866]

Yellow means 'Chinese Controlled Airspace' ?

[@Josh-of-all-Trades]

I guess this just isn't useful to me. I have no need to fly recreationally at an airport. Too dangerous, not worth it. There's lots of other airspace I can fly in without special permission.

[@OpaFPV]

Well...., do you only fly in uncontrolled airspace? And are you sure there are no TFRs?

[@Josh-of-all-Trades]

@Mr748Dave I fly exclusively in uncontrolled airspace. But you have a point about TFRs. Those sneaky guys can pop up anywhere. I don't fly in major cities, so the most common TFRs will rarely effect me, but it's a fair point to make that (as an example) when 9/11 happened, the FAA issued a nationwide TFR for ALL aircraft except military. So, yeah, you have a point, maybe I should be careful.

[@azdigbee]

Massively confusing !

[@PilotInstitute]

How so?

[@mr.eggplant866]

Brown means "illegal immigrant Airspace'?