B4UFLY is a simple, easy-to-use smartphone app that users will be able to access before they operate their unmanned aircraft to determine whether there are any restrictions or requirements in effect at the location where they want to fly. The FAA announced the app at the 2015 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Unmanned Systems Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The agency plans to release the app to approximately 1,000 beta testers during summer 2015.

This limited beta test is expected to run for several months, after which the FAA plans to make B4UFLY available for the general public. The initial release is planned for iOS devices only, with an Android version to follow.

Key features of the B4UFLY app include:

• A clear “status” indicator that immediately informs the operator about their current or planned location. For example, it shows flying in the Special Flight Rules Area around Washington, DC is prohibited
• Information on the parameters that drive the status indicator
• A “Planner Mode” for future flights in different locations
• Informative, interactive maps with filtering options
• Contact information for nearby airports
• Links to other FAA UAS resources and regulatory information.

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