Heads & tails better than ALoft but still obtuse
App could be a little more helpful. For instance it asks for “registration #” and wont let you proceed without it THis is vague. What registration number from whom? After quizzing Perplexity Pro AI we figured out it’s a registration number not needed by anyone flying drones under 250 grams. Interface could be way better if they explained that they’re asking for the FAA registration number or something a little more clear. As pilots we’re dealing with all kinds of registration numbers, serial numbers, etc.
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Sketchy And Suspicious
With a name like “OpenSky” you’d expect open source software but this is run by a private company.
The app requires you to authenticate and create your account by linking your Google account. Linking your Google account is the *only* way to use the app.
There’s no reason to make this the ONLY way for users to create accounts unless their goal is to siphon as much user data as possible. The whole thing is scummy.
The app requires you to authenticate and create your account by linking your Google account. Linking your Google account is the *only* way to use the app.
There’s no reason to make this the ONLY way for users to create accounts unless their goal is to siphon as much user data as possible. The whole thing is scummy.
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Part 107 Companion
I use open sky on nearly every site visit where I’m flying my drone. I live in an area where there are many airspace regulations. Create a pilot profile at your drones and get airspace authorization in seconds for most.
Trying my hand
I am experimenting with submitting flight plans without actually flying my drone. How does submitting flight plans actually work?
Average App. Needs updating
The app doesn’t reflect the different CASA flying regulations for drone under 250g.
Review
Review
Requires Google account
Google is a non starter. There’s all sorts of third party login systems. Google is the last one I’d ever trust. Apple has their own third party login system. Very odd an iOS app wouldn’t support the system the app is actually running on.
Perfect
Simple and dependable. It gives me confidence that I can do my flight safely and legally.
Great app but no longer works on ios12
This iPad mini 2 is dedicated to the drone as it was built to fit one. Very sad an app like this crashes on it.
Part 107 must have
I tried a few apps, this one made LAANC approval simple. Love it. Highly recommend.
No height limits shown on map
There is no reason not to have the heigh limits in controlled airspace shown in each quadrant on the map. Sure, it might get a bit busy at a certain zoom level but once you're zoomed in significantly, the height limits should pop up so a user can compare multiple quadrant at once - especially because not all flights fit perfectly into the boxes and being aware of the lowest height limit for a mission at a glance is necessary. Tapping each quadrant is stupid. It defeats the purpose of a map. I've asked about this via feedback many times and there isn't even an acknowledgement that it is a good idea nor has there been an explanation for a good reason NOT to implement this. At the very least put a setting for the pilot to enable this feature if desired. Other new features are added each update that are unnecessary but not this fundamental piece of information. If this is changed I'll revise the review.
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Edit: Still didn't implement height limits on the map without tapping for more details. It's one year later. What are you waiting for? Also why do you have transient restrictions like sports events permanently on the map as if they are active? That defeats the purpose of the map. It's less informative when you have big orange shapes on the map that are not even active that day or week at all. Misleading and confusing.
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Edit: Still didn't implement height limits on the map without tapping for more details. It's one year later. What are you waiting for? Also why do you have transient restrictions like sports events permanently on the map as if they are active? That defeats the purpose of the map. It's less informative when you have big orange shapes on the map that are not even active that day or week at all. Misleading and confusing.
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National Parks
The app. Says it is ok to fly at Cape Schank and also at Albert Park Lake in Victoria but these areas are controlled by Parks Victoria. The restriction does show up for Wilson’s Prom. but not for others.
Requires Gmail to login
You can only file flight plans if you login with Google. Not everyone (especially on Apple iPhone) has a Gmail compatible email address.
Huge liability risk
Doesn’t show wilderness area restriction in an area I’m familiar with that other apps show as restricted. This app says flight is good to go with green checkmark. Flying there could result in fines and criminal penalties. Yikes! Also google account-only integration is super lame!
only google login
seems like it could be pretty good, but can’t really do anything without signing in, and only allows signing in via google.
Doesn’t work in Europe
The app use to work in Europe but in both UK and France the app doesn’t work.
Great app
Helped me to get clearance to do some inspection work.
Missing TFR temporary flight zones
Great app! But the temporary flight zones (TFRs) are missing. For example today we have a presidential TFR at LAX within 30 miles radius, but on OpenSky it’s not showing, which could lead to really bad consequences. B4UFLY and Air Aware both are showing the TFZs.
No height limits shown on map
There is no reason not to have the heigh limits in controlled airspace shown in each quadrant on the map. Sure, it might get a bit busy at a certain zoom level but once you're zoomed in significantly, the height limits should pop up so a user can compare multiple quadrant at once - especially because not all flights fit perfectly into the boxes and being aware of the lowest height limit for a mission at a glance is necessary. Tapping each quadrant is stupid. It defeats the purpose of a map. I've asked about this via feedback many times and there isn't even an acknowledgement that it is a good idea nor has there been an explanation for a good reason NOT to implement this. At the very least put a setting for the pilot to enable this feature if desired. Other new features are added each update that are unnecessary but not this fundamental piece of information. If this is changed I'll revise the review.
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Response from developer
Thanks for all the support and for posting a review! We love hearing from users like you and working to provide you the best version of this app.
Easiest LAANC app to get authorized
I’ve tried out many apps when flying my drone to get LANC clearance. This is by far the easiest and it’s free. I will go nowhere else download this app.
