Tag Archive for: News and Updates

Today, the FAA in partnership with Kittyhawk relaunched its B4UFLY mobile application that allows recreational drone flyers know where they can and cannot fly in the national airspace system (NAS). The new B4UFLY app is now available to download for free at theApp Storefor iOS andGoogle Play storefor Android.

As we continue our efforts to safely integrate drones into the NAS, working with our industry partners to provide innovative technology is critical, said FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell. The B4UFLY app is another tool the FAA can provide recreational drone flyers to help them fly safely and responsibly.

Some of the key features users can expect include:

• A clear “status” indicator that informs the operator whether it is safe to fly or not. (For example, it shows flying in the Special Flight Rules Area around Washington, D.C. is prohibited.)
• Informative, interactive maps with filtering options.
• Information about controlled airspace, special use airspace, critical infrastructure, airports, national parks, military training routes and temporary flight restrictions.
• A link to LAANC, the FAAs Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, to obtain authorization to fly in controlled airspace.
• The ability to check whether it is safe to fly in different locations by searching for a location or moving the location pin.
• Links to other FAA drone resources and regulatory information.

The app provides situational awareness to recreational flyers and other drone users. It does not allow users to obtain airspace authorizations to fly in controlled airspace, which are only available through LAANC.

For more information, view B4UFLY.

The Federal Aviation Administration is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Barry as it continues to move toward land. We are preparing facilities and equipment to withstand storm damage along the projected storm path so we can quickly resume disaster relief operations after it passes. The following guidance applies to travelers, drone users, and general aviation pilots in the affected area:

Travelers

During severe weather, airlines are likely to cancel flights in the direct path of the storm and surrounding areas. Flights that are not canceled may be delayed. Once a storm makes landfall, airports may be listed as open, but flooding on local roadways might limit safe access to airports for passengers, as well as airline and airport employees. As a result, every aspect of your trip to the airport, including parking, checking in, getting through security and boarding could take longer than usual.

As always, check with your airline about the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. Major carriers provide flight status updates on their websites:

• Southwest Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• JetBlue
• Spirit
• Frontier
• Allegiant

Please continue to check the status of your flight with your airline, not the FAA. You can also check the status of some major airports in the storm path by visitingFly.FAA.gov, which is updated regularly. You can also checkcurrent travel advisoriesprovided by most U.S. airlines.

Drone Users

The FAA has published a NOTAM related to Tropical Storm Barry for the Coastal Regions of Mississippi and Louisiana.

The NOTAM is valid from Noon CT on July 12 and remains in effect until 8:00 p.m. CT on July 14. A full copy of the NOTAM is available through the FAAs NOTAM search tool, Number: 9/0238

Drone Pilots must be aware of the following:

1. Avoid flying in the area unless conducting an active disaster response or recovery mission.
2. The FAA might issue a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in the affected area. Be sure to check for active TFRs if you plan to fly.
3. Remember that you cannot fly inside a TFR without FAA approval.

Emergency Operations and Response:

You may be able to get expedited approval to operate in the TFR through the FAAs

Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process and is outlined inFAA Order JO 7200.23A.

Be aware that significant penalties that may exceed $20,000 if drone operators interfere with emergency response operations. Flying a drone without authorization in or near the disaster area may violate federal, state, or local laws and ordinances, even if aTemporary Flight Restriction(TFR) is not in place. Allow first responders to save lives and property without interference.

IF YOU ARE NOT CERTIFICATED AS A REMOTE PILOT OR DO NOT ALREADY HOLD A COA, YOU CANNOT FLY.

General Aviation Pilots

Standard check lists are even more important in and around severe weather. Be aware of weather conditions throughout the entire route of your planned flight. A pilots failure to recognize deteriorating weather conditions continues to cause or contribute to accidents.

Hurricane preparedness guidance is available on faa.gov at:https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/hurricane_season/