UK air traffic control firm builds app to ward-off drone pilots
An app to help counter the problem of drones flying too near airports has been developed by NATS, the UK's air traffic control provider. Drone Assist, available free on Android and iOS, provides drone pilots with an interactive map of airspace areas used by commercial air traffic. It will also contain a "Fly Now" feature which shares the drone's flight location with other app users, reducing the risk of a drone-related incident in UK airspace. The app was developed in conjunction with Altitude Angel.
02 December 2016

The problem of drones being flown near airports has become increasingly serious in recent years, but it’s one that a new app from the air traffic control provider NATS is hoping to solve.

There has been a significant increase in reports of near misses between drones and commercial aircraft in the UK during the past year, causing disruption to air traffic and risking a major incident.

Drone Assist, powered by Altitude Angel and available for free on Android and iOS from Saturday 3 December, presents drone pilots with an interactive map of areas of airspace used by commercial air traffic. Drone operators planning to fly near these areas – usually around airports and airfields – should ideally avoid them or exercise great caution. It will also contain a ‘Fly Now’ feature that will share the user’s drone flight location with other app users, and the wider drone community, helping to reduce the risk of a drone related incident in the UK’s airspace.

Drones should always be kept well away from aircraft, airports and airfields.

Users are shown warnings where it might not be safe to fly. Drone Assist highlights areas of controlled airspace.

The app has been developed in partnership with Altitude Angel, a leading UK-based company working on innovative future drone traffic management solutions, and also includes the location of ground based hazards that might pose a safety or privacy risk, such as power lines, schools or sports venues.

Phil Binks, NATS drone lead, said: “With the number of drone incidents on the rise, it’s clear that many people are unaware of the rules or their legal obligations as pilots. Drone Assist is designed to help everyone abide by the rules, identify areas of controlled and restricted airspace and help them enjoy flying whilst ensuring their safety and the safety of other airspace users.

“We’re delighted to have partnered with Altitude Angel to develop a tool that we hope will help improve drone safety in the UK and lead the way in international best practice.”

The UK Airprox Board, which investigates reports of aircraft near misses, has so far reported on approximately 50 drone incidents this year up from 11 during 2015. With drones expected to be among the top gifts received this Christmas, NATS is urging would-be drone pilots to be sure of the rules and regulations before taking to the skies.

The ‘Fly Now’ feature lets users inform others of their intention to fly. Drone Assist also highlights ground hazards that might post a security or privacy risk.

Richard Parker, founder and CEO of Altitude Angel commented: “We are delighted to be working with NATS, and are proud that the UK is taking a global lead in addressing this issue as we work to keep our skies safe for all aerial citizens. Partnerships like this are an essential first-step to bringing together drone pilots and other stakeholders, all working towards greater airspace safety, and laying the foundation for a future where drones and manned aircraft can coexist without incident.”

In a recent study by the CAA, 90% of people agreed that adherence to the CAAs Dronecode is important but only 40% of drone owners were aware of it. Tools like Drone Assist are designed to help, as is the new website launched by NATS and the CAA called dronesafe.uk. The site, which is easily accessible directly within the app, provides further information on the rules around drone flying in the UK, including the CAAs Drone Code and information on CAA-approved training courses.

NATS and Altitude Angel will be showcasing Drone Assist at the UK Drone Show this weekend, offering interactive demonstrations on their stands. NATS will also be broadcasting via Facebook Live from the show.