Can I Fly My Drone Anywhere?

Meydenbauer Bay in Bellevue Washington

Can I Fly My Drone Anywhere? Well No, but using Aloft you can figure out if it is ok.

This is a simple guide to understanding whether or not you can fly your drone in a particular location using Aloft Air Control.  This also covers common things you may encounter before you fly.  This is a guide to help you understand drones but does not in any way authorize you to fly your drone at a particular location or airspace.  As a drone pilot in command it is up to you to determine whether it is legal to take off and fly in a particular spot.

I prefer to check things out before I go to a new location.  If you don't already have it download the Aloft Air Control app for your iPhone or Android device.  As an individual this is a free app and service.  If you plan to use it for your Enterprise you will need to pay.  Once you have the app you are able to search or use the default which is your current location.  Set up an account and begin using the app.  I love this app for it's simplicity and user interface.  They have done a great job of improving it over the years and it is now well designed.

After you have picked a location you will see either green, yellow or red next to a number.  If it's green you are not in controlled airspace so you won't need an authorization from the FAA. If it is yellow you will need permission and can only fly AGL (above ground level) a certain number of feet.  Aloft Air Control has a built in feature for getting LAANC (FAA approval). I'll cover that in another blog post.  If it is red you can't fly in this airspace.

Even though you see green it doesn't mean you can fly.  You will need to scroll through the entries and figure out whether or not it is legal.  I live in Seattle which has multiple stadiums.  For me I live near Lumen field.  If you are within 3 nautical miles of a stadium you can't fly an hour before and not until an hour after major events.  It is up to you to look at the schedule for this stadium to ensure you are in compliance.

Another scenario to be careful about is a heliport, seaport (for seaplanes) and small airports.  It is ok to fly but you need to be cautious if you are flying very close to these locations.  I live near a couple hospitals which have heliports.  Lake Union which is nearby has a seaplane company that flies out of there. 

That's it for a quick introduction for Aloft Air Control.  It is an essential bit of technology if you plan to fly a drone and a critical step before you take off.

Apple App Store Search and download Aloft Air Control

Aloft Airspace Green Uncontrolled

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