B4UFLY | Aloft

How to Use the B4UFLY App and on the Web

What is B4UFLY?

B4UFLY is a free app available for iOS, Android, and on the web that provides a simple and easy way for U.S. drone operators, both recreational and commercial, to check airspace before taking flight.

When should I use B4UFLY?

Every time you’re getting ready to fly your drone, or planning a flight, you should consult the B4UFLY app or web to see if there are any active airspace advisories in the airspace you want to launch your drone in.

Does using B4UFLY let me fly my drone in controlled airspace?

No! B4UFLY is a way to familiarize yourself with the surrounding airspace. If you are within controlled airspace, you will still need to get a LAANC authorization, unless you’re flying under a special airspace authorization or waiver. Learn more about LANNC here.

It’s showing Caution– Does that mean I can fly if I’m really careful?

Caution generally means there are airspace restrictions in effect. You might be near a heliport or private airstrip in uncontrolled airspace, or you could be in controlled airspace at a very busy airport. Make sure you check the additional details to understand the airspace you want to fly in.

Does B4UFLY only work with certain drones?

The B4UFLY application is only for checking airspace. B4UFLY does not offer inflight capabilities, therefore you can use it to check restrictions for flying many kinds of sUAS and model aircraft.

Know the Rules

State and Local Drone Rules

B4UFLY shows airspace rules provided by FAA data sources. B4UFLY does not include all local rules which may affect your planned operation – including your ability to land and take off your aircraft from certain areas.
While the FAA is the sole regulator of the National Airspace System and governs aircraft operations once airborne, entities such as cities, states, parks, and private landowners may regulate your ability to land and take off your aircraft from certain locations. Please make yourself aware of any local rules prior to your planned operation.
Read our recent blog to learn more about drone operations in state parks.

Read the blog

Read the Section 44809 Rules for Recreational Drone Pilots

Recreational flyers must adhere to all of the statutory conditions to operate under 44809 rules. If any of the conditions are not met, the recreational operation must be conducted under the Part 107 commercial rules.

Section 44809 is a shorthand way of referencing the current rules for recreational operation of uncrewed aircraft. Occasionally, it is also referred to as the Section 349 rules, since it comes from Section 349 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. These are the rules that replaced the old “Section 336” exception for model aircraft. B4UFLY is for recreational flyers operating under Section 44809. More information may be found at https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/

Section 44809 provides eight conditions that must be satisfied to use the exception for recreational small uncrewed aircraft. Some conditions are not yet implemented, so they are not yet enforced.

The aircraft is flown strictly for recreational purposes
The aircraft is registered and marked and proof of registration is made available to the Administrator or a designee of the Administrator or law enforcement upon request.
The aircraft is flown within the visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft or a visual observer co-located and in direct communication with the operator
The aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to manned aircraft
In controlled airspace, meaning Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport (Class E-2), the operator obtains prior authorization from the Administrator or designee before operating and complies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions. (Note: LAANC is the best way to obtain this prior authorization)
In Class G airspace, the aircraft is flown from the surface to not more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL) and complies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions
The operator has passed an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and maintains proof of test passage to be made available to the Administrator or a designee of the Administrator or law enforcement upon request.*
The aircraft is operated in accordance with or within the programming of a community-based organization’s set of safety guidelines that are developed in coordination with the FAA.*
(Note: The FAA is currently working with CBOs to develop these guidelines. Until this process is complete, the FAA directs recreational flyers to existing basic safety guidelines found at www.faa.gov/uas)

*not yet implemented

Notify & Fly: Drone Situational Awareness at Scale

Notify & Fly is the new easy way to let other drone pilots know that you’re flying in the area. By anonymously submitting via the app, you’re letting the largest audience of other drone pilots know that you’re in the area too.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, a commercial pilot or saving lives as a first responder, using Notify & Fly contributes to the overall safe integration of drones into the national airspace by increasing situational awareness, without sacrificing privacy. To use it, you simply update the B4UFLY app on your phone. Navigate to the main map screen and you’ll see the Notify & Fly icon. From there you have the ability to choose whether or not you’re a commercial operator, recreational pilot or first responder.

Watch this video to learn more about how to use Notify & Fly.

How to Flag an Advisory for Review or Submit Data for a Location Missing an Airspace Advisory on B4UFLY

If you see an existing airspace advisory that you believe has an error or is missing information, you can flag that advisory for review on both B4UFLY mobile and web. If your location is missing an advisory completely, you can submit data for the type of advisory which should be added on both B4UFLY mobile and web. Watch these videos to learn how.

Attention Local Government Entities

If you represent a state, city, or local park that has ground rules pertaining to drone operations, add your data to B4UFLY to ensure local drone pilots receive accurate flight info. Watch the tutorial videos above to learn how to start contributing your data today or email us at b4ufly@aloft.ai for more information.