App to Help Drone Operators Stay on the Straight and Narrow

Drone Assist has been developed with the intention of ensuring that those piloting drones avoid sensitive airspace.

Drone incursions over restricted airspace in Britain are now an all-too-common occurrence, but a new app created by NATS, the country’s air navigation service provider, is intended to help operators avoid sensitive areas.

To be released on December 3 for the iOS and Android platforms, Drone Assist enables those piloting drones to view an interactive map of their surrounding airspace and can even warn users if the area is being used by commercial craft.

As well as showing airfields and airports, Drone Assist also maps out other potential hazards such as power lines. It can even indicate areas where there is a privacy risk, such around sporting venues and schools.

Additionally, the app has a ‘Fly Now’ function that can share a drone’s location with other Drone Assist users. Developed in collaboration with Altitude Angel, a company that specializes in cloud-based drone safety and management, the hope is that the app will reduce the risk of drone-related incidents in Britain.

According to official guidelines, drone operators must always keep their craft in sight. Additionally, their devices must stay below 400 feet in altitude and 150 feet away from crowds and buildings.

Phil Binks, NATS drone assist lead, said that this app could help operators stick to these guidelines.

“With the number of drone incidents on the rise, it’s clear that many people are unaware of the rules or their legal obligations as pilots. Drone Assist is designed to help everyone abide by the rules, identify areas of controlled and restricted airspace and help them enjoy flying whilst ensuring their safety and the safety of other airspace users,” he said in a statement.

Richard Parker, founder and CEO of Altitude Angel, said that he was ‘delighted’ to be working with NATS and added, “Partnerships like this are an essential first-step to bringing together drone pilots and other stakeholders, all working towards greater airspace safety, and laying the foundation for a future where drones and manned aircraft can coexist without incident.”

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