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.
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.
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.
@@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 🤣
@@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.
Bad App. Completely locked my Galaxy S23 Ultra on screen: Pilot Workflow, Part 107 Risk Assessment. I can't even hold the power button to restart the phone. Completely unresponsive! Uninstalling.
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.
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.
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?
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. ????
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?
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.
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.
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. 😎
@@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)
that's what I thought... that part of the video was confusing. this is for recreational pilots, but then when he got to the checklist, he said I have to register/label... isn't that (at least part of why) I intentionally purchased a drone less that 250g's?? the title of the video "for recreational pilots"! very confusing when he said we must register/label....
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.
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.
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
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
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?
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!)
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.
@@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.
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.
@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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
@@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.
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.
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
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!
