The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and UASidekick are partnering to give free recreational Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) flight planning to nearly 175,000 unmanned aerial systems hobbyists who are members of AMA.
The software allows drone pilots to file LAANC authorizations with the FAA when flying in controlled airspace via a web portal and mobile application. It includes additional flight planning tools, such as interactive maps, weather information, and flight logs, according to AMA officials
“One of our top priorities is helping hobbyists comply with evolving regulations. We are proud to partner with UASidekick, which has developed the leading technology to help recreational and commercial pilots secure necessary approvals from the FAA and plan safe flights. This cutting-edge technology will hopefully make the safe operation of UAS a little bit easier for our community,” said Chad Budreau, AMA executive director.
“At UASidekick, we have always been committed to the ‘Safer Skies’ mindset and working closely with industry professionals like AMA. We are confident that the hobbyist community will find immense value in the quick and easy access to the regulatory system that our software provides. Our goal is to provide streamlined authorization services and flight planning tools that make flying safer and less burdensome for AMA’s community,” said Nathan Ruff, CEO and cofounder of UASidekick.
In addition to access to free LAANC flight planning software, AMA members will also receive a discount for the full UASidekick functionality for commercial and organization UAS pilots.
UASidekick is also planning to integrate into its map functionality information about AMA’s flying sites across the U.S. and future UAS events hosted by AMA. UASidekick and AMA also will provide training webinars to help UAS pilots understand the airspace and flight restrictions, as well as informational webinars on the industry and changing regulations, officials noted.