SafeSky launches dedicated traffic-awareness app for drone pilots
SafeSky has launched SafeSky Sentinel, a new mobile application designed specifically for drone pilots. The app provides real-time awareness of nearby cooperative air traffic while simultaneously making the drone operation visible to other users of the airspace.
The application is an extension of SafeSky’s existing traffic-awareness platform, which is primarily used by pilots in general aviation. With Sentinel, the company aims to give drone operators direct access to the same shared traffic picture on their mobile devices.
Real-time traffic awareness
After opening Sentinel, a drone pilot can start an operation with a single tap. The position of the drone operation is then automatically shared through the SafeSky Network. This information can subsequently be viewed in the SafeSky app, on the SafeSky Live platform and through compatible software and devices connected to the network.
At the same time, Sentinel displays nearby cooperative aircraft detected through the SafeSky Network. This includes traffic that can be particularly relevant to low-level drone operations, such as helicopters, ultralights, paramotors, balloons and gliders.
Traffic can be viewed on a map as well as in radar and vertical views. Users can configure information, alert and critical zones, while visual and audio warnings are provided when relevant traffic approaches the operation.
One shared traffic picture
The SafeSky Network combines real-time position data from a range of general aviation and electronic-conspicuity sources. Drone operators can also contribute to this shared picture. During VLOS operations, the operator’s position can be transmitted, while BVLOS missions can transmit the position of the drone itself.
Some professional drone platforms already have access to SafeSky traffic information through the company’s SafeSky UAV API. These include DJI FlightHub 2, RigiTech, DroneSense and Dronetag. Sentinel is aimed in particular at drone pilots who previously did not have direct access to this capability.
The idea is to make drone operators active participants in a shared safety network, allowing manned and unmanned aircraft to make better use of the same airspace.
It is worth noting that the system only shows traffic that is detectable through SafeSky or compatible electronic-conspicuity sources. Sentinel therefore provides an additional layer of situational awareness, rather than a complete picture of all aircraft operating in the vicinity.
Free for Apple and Android
SafeSky Sentinel is available free of charge for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
