The primary source of information about airspace restrictions is the UK Aeronautical Information Service (AIS), published by NATS. We provide more detail on this in the section on airspace restrictions.
A number of apps and websites provide details of airspace restrictions that may help you plan safe flights.
The developers of the products listed below have declared that their app or website provides:
- clear and accurate visualisation of relevant airspace with textual description
- comprehensive and reliably up-to-date airspace database from an approved aeronautical information management source (to ensure timely inclusion of airspace changes and temporary restrictions or hazards)
- information relating to UK drone safety regulations, such as the Drone and Model Aircraft code
We support any measure to improve the safe use of drones but do not endorse individual products.
We have not checked or approved the apps and websites listed below.
Operators and remote pilots are fully responsible for operating safely and must assure themselves of the quality of the data and comply with all UK rules and regulations relating to drones.
Drone Assist (app)
Drone Assist is the drone safety app powered by Altitude Angel. It provides an interactive map of the sky and is used by general aviation, balloon pilots, and other airspace users. It allows you to see areas to avoid or in which extreme caution should be exercised, as well as ground hazards which may pose safety, security or privacy risks when flying your drone.
It also contains a ‘Fly Now’ feature which enables you to share your drone flight location with other app users and the wider drone community, allowing you to avoid other airspace traffic so you can have a safe and enjoyable flight. Drone Assist is available in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Drone Scene (app and website)
Drone Scene (opens in a new tab) provides drone operators across the UK with an easy-to-use map in order to find and share great places to fly. The map is overlaid with multiple layers of data which allow you to choose both the ground hazards and the air space restrictions for any given area.
The airspace data layers are updated in real time which ensures you have up-to-the-minute information about the safety and legality of any given area, including the latest NOTAMs.
Drone operators can also use Drone Scene to submit planned flight reports to NATS for both recreational and hobbyist flights.
Regulations are constantly changing. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying the same location. Drone Scene makes this easy.
The Good 2 Go app in Drone Scene (opens in a new tab) allows operators to select an existing make/model of drone, or enter a weight, answer questions and get airspace advice.
Some apps and manufacturers systems do not provide up-to-date information on airspace restrictions.
You are responsible for ensuring that the service or information you use is accurate and fit for purpose.
If you use a drone app or website to check for airspace restrictions, make sure you know what information it can provide.
Read our safety notice and recommendations