“DrohnenApp” Gives German Drone Operators Rules, Regs and Flight Logs

The German Aviation authority, DFS, has teamed with UTM and fleet management experts Unifly to provide recreational drone operators with clear information about where they are allowed to fly.

The “DFS-DrohnenApp” not only provides information on where operators may fly legally, but also gives detailed information on the rules and restrictions.   And just for fun, it gives the user a free logbook, too.

The app is free to any drone operator who registers. “From our point of view, the new DFS drone app has three main advantages. First of all it is user-friendly and easy to use. Secondly, it is free. DFS wants to contribute to safety in air transport. Because it is important to us that everyone uses the app, we wanted to ensure any barriers to use it are eliminated as much as possible “, explained Prof. Scheurle, chairman of the DFS management at the presentation of the app in Berlin. “Thirdly, the DFS app implements the provisions of the new Duma Ordinance of the Federal Government as far as possible. The app uses information as well as map material from official sources. These are enriched with data from DFS that is used in the day-to-day air traffic control business. The bundling of these data sources into a single application is both practical and new in this form in Germany. In short: the DFS drone app is a piece of security that fits into every pocket, ” emphasized Prof. Scheurle.

“We are delighted to be able to offer a product together with DFS that offers a viable and effective solution to the challenge of the safe integration of drones into air traffic. The further development of the app is provided. We will soon be introducing new updates with additional features, “said Unifly CEO Marc Kegelaers.

The app represents a new approach to encouraging recreational drone operators to register themselves and their aircraft, by offering an incentive.  While the recreational registration program in the US was recently deemed unlawful by a Federal Appeals Court and made voluntary, the UK announced this week that it would enforce a registration and testing system for recreational drones.