DFlight API - Automate and Scale Your UAV Mission Planning

Automate and Scale Your UAV Mission Planning

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BVLOS safety begins on the ground. DFlight API supplies the up-to-date information you need for compliance with UAV preflight assessment requirements in U.S. airspace… delivered via REST API for seamless integration in your software. 

  • Fast response, suitable for interactive applications
  • The most accurate and up-to-date information available, continuously updated, sourced directly from originating governmental providers
  • Convenient query options:
    • Distance around point
    • Along route
    • Within an arbitrary area
  • Coverage area includes CONUS, AK, HI, and US territories
Separate endpoints are available for each of the following information categories:

AIRSPACE GUIDANCE FOR DRONE OPERATORS

The National Airspace System contains many different categories, types, and designations of airspace. As a UAV operator it’s critical that you are aware of the airspace around you. DFlight API provides the information required to ensure you are Safe, Legal, and Prepared.

  • Content: Boundaries and details of all defined airspace (regulatory and non-regulatory) within your area of interest
  • Geometry: LineString for Military Training Routes, Polygon for all other types
  • Source: Federal Aviation Administration
  • Update Frequency: 28-day AIRAC cycle
  • View OpenAPI Documentation
  • View Tutorial

WEATHER FORECASTS FOR DRONE OPERATORS

Weather conditions will dictate your final decision on when/whether a planned mission can be flown safely and with a successful outcome. Factors to consider include manufacturer’s stated operating envelope and limitations, Part 107 operating limitations, effect of wind direction and speed on range, rapid battery drain in cold temperatures, visibility and lighting conditions needed for photo/video capture, and more.

  • Content:The most accurate and up-to-date weather forecast guidance available, designed specifically for aviation use. Hyper-local (2.5 km grid) hourly forecast updates allow you to adjust routes and timing to accommodate microclimate effects and weather system movement/evolution.
  • Geometry: Point
  • Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Update Frequency: Hourly
  • View OpenAPI Documentation
  • View Tutorial

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFRs)

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) define areas where air operations (including drone operations) are prohibited or restricted due to hazardous conditions, special events, or other safety and security reasons.

  • Content: All TFRs which are currently “on the books” (meaning both active now or scheduled to apply in the near future) with exact start/end times.
  • Geometry: GeometryCollection
  • Source: Federal Aviation Administration
  • Update Frequency: Real-time
  • View OpenAPI Documentation
  • View Tutorial

SPECIAL SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRONE OPERATORS

Special Security Areas (SSAs) are locations where all UAS flight operations are prohibited unless prior FAA authorization has been obtained AND coordination with controlling agency has taken place.

  • Content: Boundaries and permission request contact information for all airspace within and adjacent to select national security sensitive locations wherein UAS flight operations are prohibited without prior permission.
  • Geometry: Polygon
  • Source: Federal Aviation Administration, in coordination with CIA, NASA, DOJ, DOD, DHS, DNI, DOI, and DOE
  • Update Frequency: As required
  • View OpenAPI Documentation
  • View Tutorial

UAV/DRONE RESTRICTIONS OVER NATIONAL PARKS AND SPORTING EVENTS

UAV flights are restricted or fully prohibited over lands administered by the National Park Service and over major sporting event sites during certain events.

OBSTACLE AWARENESS FOR DRONE OPERATORS

Antennas, domes, dams, grain elevators, tanks, towers, utility poles, windmills, and a host of other structures. They’re big, they’re tall, and they’re going to be in your way. Know what they are and where they are before you launch.

  • Content: Location, height, and descripion of all known structures whose presence might interfere with UAV flight
  • Geometry: Point
  • Source: Federal Aviation Administration
  • Update Frequency: Daily
  • View OpenAPI Documentation
  • View Tutorial

AERODROMES

Center points for all US landing facilities (both public and private), including those with no associated controlled airspace.

UAS OPERATING AREAS

UAS Operating Areas (UOAs) are locations where drone operations are scheduled to take place. This activity is reported to the FAA by commercial drone operators for both single and recurring operations.