UK NATS Drone Assist app

[Scotflieger]

NATS has launched a new app for iOS and Android called Drone Assist. It provided detailed maps on airfields and local hazards (power lines, railways, schools, etc) and allows you to register your flight location. It lets other users and NATS to see where UAVs are operating for up to an hour.

It is free to download from the Apple App Store for the iPhone only.

 

[roninsteel]

Yep I saw that today at drone show, I downloaded it as well, altitude angel the company that makes the app for nats has some really good stuff planned

 

[Paul Jacques]

Sounds like a good App, can't seem to find it on the App Store yet though?

 

[Scotflieger]

You need to select iPhone (not iPad) and search for "drone assist".

I used it today for a commercial shoot. Once registered and logged in, it finds your location and allows you to enter a Title, a short description and whether you are a recreational or commercial pilot. You then click Flight Record to "fly now" and It puts a 500m radius circle on the map for others to see. Quick and easy.


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[The Editor]

You need to select iPhone (not iPad) and search for "drone assist".

I used it today for a commercial shoot. Once registered and logged in, it finds your location and allows you to enter a Title, a short description and whether you are a recreational or commercial pilot. You then click Flight Record to "fly now" and It puts a 500m radius circle on the map for others to see. Quick and easy.


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What would really be great if this info was then taken by NATS and transmitted to the relevant ATC in the area so that they can warn anyone in the area that a UAV is operating.

 

[Paul Jacques]

Found it - thanks for that, will have a go with it now - appreciated.

 

[Scotflieger]

I think you will find that the NATS Flight Information Controllers at Swanwick and Prestwick will be using it as one of their information sources. It is a NATS sponsored app.


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[ACHdigital]

Is this a UK only app? I don't find it in apps store usa. Found a link to google apps only but the map has the city of Reading on it.


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[The Editor]

Is this a UK only app? I don't find it in apps store usa. Found a link to google apps only but the map has the city of Reading on it.


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Yes UK only.
NATS is the air traffic navigation provider for the United Kingdom.

 

[ACHdigital]

Oh ok thanks!


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[The Editor]

Oh ok thanks!


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That's not to say that the FAA will not do something similar of course but it would be country specific since it would be linked to ATC.
The UK has two main ATC coordination centres for the entire country whereas the US I believe has fragmented Air Traffic so might be a harder ask.

 

[ACHdigital]

Hopefully. This is not really my area,
I'm a photographer turned into drones for obvious reasons. It's been a new learning experience and I'm likening very much but still new. Here in the forum is great reading. Thanks!


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[Cornscot]

I think it is a great app and has vast potential, I've certainly made it part of my pre-flight planing.