Knowing where you can safely and legally fly your drone is surprisingly difficult.
Sure, you bought your first (or fifth) drone, got your TRUST certificate, or maybe even your Part 107 certificate, but after flying in your backyard for hours, you are eager to find new locations near you to practice flying. Or maybe you are traveling to a new city. So what do you do?
Of course, you start with a Google search: “Where can I fly my drone near me?” Then, you check B4UFly for uncontrolled airspace. But even then, you still have to check state and local regulations.
Did you know that in the US, you can’t fly in a National Park? The airspace will look clear on most airspace apps, but you could still get in trouble with a park ranger!
Some states, such as Missouri, allow drone flights in their state parks, while others, like Hawaii, ban them.
Most other states have significant restrictions on drone flights in state parks, but they allow them under certain conditions or require an application in advance.
The problem is all this information is not centralized, not always accurate, and, most importantly, not subject to feedback from pilots.
Enter FPV Trails. FPVTrails is a free database of specific locations where you can fly, generated by actual pilots. Anyone can add, rate, review, and discuss places to fly.
The user-generated data is overlaid with airspace information such as FAA UAS facility maps and FRIAs to display spots that are not just delightful to fly — but are also safe and legal to fly in.
However, just be sure to cross-reference sites with the FAA’s official B4UFly service providers, as data can quickly change (especially if there’s a Temporary Flight Restriction in place).
FPV Trails has added many unique map layers, including national and state parks, stadiums, and international airports, and is in the process of aggregating university UAS programs and city and state laws regarding drone flight.
They also offer weather layers and are constantly adding new locations, including over 250 in the US alone. These locations are freely downloadable in JSON format.
FPV Trails intends to be a free and open platform and may eventually add premium services to cover hosting costs.
