B4UFLY and Aloft

[funflyer]

Are they the same? If there is a difference, what is it? I am new and having a very difficult time getting approval to fly anywhere.

 

[Vic Moss]

B4UFly is the official FAA app, that was fixed by Aloft under the supervision of the FAA.

Aloft is tied to B4UFly, so if you are in an area that you need LAANC, B4UFly will push you over to Aloft.

They are two separate apps, but are tied together for LAANC.

You can use each of the independent of each other. But B4UFly won't give you LAANC.

 

[Arnold LeVine]

When you say anywhere, can I assume you know you can fly anywhere EXCEPT for areas that need approval?

 

[eEridani]

I use B4UFly.com on my pc when flight planning, and Aloft on my phone for clearances.

You really only need Aloft - rather, you can get by with only using Aloft for clearances; but it can do several functions like preflight weather, current conditions, and tell you when you need a clearance, and allows you to request a LAANC clearance. And getting the clearance back on your phone is handy should anyone ask if you were cleared to fly.

But Aloft isn't as friendly for planning a flight away from where you are at. So B4Ufly is still quite useful. As is 1800WXbrief.com.

 

[Vic Moss]

I use B4UFly.com on my pc when flight planning, and Aloft on my phone for clearances.

You really only need Aloft; it can do several functions like preflight weather, current conditions, and tell you when you need a clearance, and allows you to request a LAANC clearance.

But Aloft isn't as friendly for planning a flight away from where you are at. So B4Ufly is still quite useful.

For my office pre-flight work I use SkyWard. They let you pre-plan flight area.

 

[eEridani]

For my office pre-flight work I use SkyWard. They let you pre-plan flight area.

Vic, I have never tried Skyward. B4Ufly is free ... lol - I like free ... and seems consumer non-pro focused (aka easy to use). I think Aloft has paid versions that do much of what Skyward probably does, too. Flight planning and drone and pilot log management, etc.; things Part 107 pilots hiring out can find useful. If I ever do get my 107 ticket, and ever do go back into the workforce from retirement, I'll have to do more research on tool sets.

Air Aware - The Leading Airspace & Situational Awareness Tool for Drone Operators

Can I fly my drone here? Use Air Aware on the web or mobile devices to check the airspace for federal & local UAS rules & regulations before taking flight.

b4ufly.aloft.ai

 

[Vic Moss]

Vic, I have never tried Skyward. B4Ufly is free ... lol - I like free ... and seems consumer non-pro focused (aka easy to use).

Skyward is free.

 

[eEridani]

They provide a free 30 day trial: to my way of thinking, that is not FREE.

Verizon Robotics

Verizon Robotics builds software and connectivity solutions optimized for aerial and ground robotics, harnessing the power of the Verizon 5G network to help customers solve challenges.

skyward.io

Verizon Robotics

Verizon Robotics builds software and connectivity solutions optimized for aerial and ground robotics, harnessing the power of the Verizon 5G network to help customers solve challenges.

go.skyward.io

Try Skyward Free for 30 Days​

 

[Vic Moss]

They provide a free 30 day trial: to my way of thinking, that is not FREE.

Verizon Robotics

Verizon Robotics builds software and connectivity solutions optimized for aerial and ground robotics, harnessing the power of the Verizon 5G network to help customers solve challenges.

skyward.io

Verizon Robotics

Verizon Robotics builds software and connectivity solutions optimized for aerial and ground robotics, harnessing the power of the Verizon 5G network to help customers solve challenges.

go.skyward.io

View attachment 135499

Hmm. It looks like they have changed to a pay platform. I guess I'm Grandfathered in. I've been using it for years, and I've never paid a dime.

Aloft would definitely be a better choice then.