Most drone manufacturers have opted for proprietary software to control their respective drones, we’ll explore that today, a contrast to our Best drone apps list, with the best apps for any drone enthusiast. Those were the generic apps independent of drone manufacturer, this list today is the apps you need to fly a drone from each of the major manufacturers. We chose some of the more popular drone manufacturers out there, including DJI, Autel Robotics, Yuneec and Hubsan. Please feel free to let us know in the comments below if there is a manufacturer you’d like to see in the list.
Drone apps
DJI GO DJI GO 4 DJI Fly Parrot FreeFlight Pro Yuneec CG03 Yuneec Pilot | X-Hubsan Autel Robotics Starlink 3DR Solo GDU Pro B4UFly Airmap Vision+2 |
Back to the top
We’d hate to be presumptuous about the drone you are flying, but unless it’s a custom racing rig, there’s a high likelihood you’re flying a DJI drone today. Let’s start there. DJI Go 4
DJI Go 4
DJI Fly
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DJI Fly
Designed for the DJI Mavic Mini, DJI Mini 2, and DJI Mavic Air 2
DJI Mavic Mini
(9.0)
- 30 – Minutes
- 2.7K – 12MP
- 29 – MPH
November 2019 Release Date
$399.00 $359.00 MSRP More info ->Buy This Drone
DJI Mavic Air 2
(9.6)
- 34 – MIN
- 4K – 60 FPS
- 42.5 – MPH
May 2020 Release Date
$799.00 MSRP More info ->Buy This Drone
DJI Mini 2
(9.4)
- 31 – Minutes
- 4K – 12MP
- 36 – MPH
November 2020 Release Date
$449.00+ MSRP More info ->Buy This Drone DJI Go
DJI GO
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DJI announces DJI Goggles – FPV headset for your favorite drone
DJI Mavic Pro is faster than ever! DJI GO 4 app update increases ActiveTrack top speed
March 15, 2017 Parrot FreeFlight Pro
Parrot FreeFlight Pro
Yuneec Breeze Cam
Yuneec CGO3
Yuneec Pilot
X-Hubsan
Autel Robotics Starlink
3DR Solo
PowerVision Vision2+
GDU Pro
If you are flying for pay, or any other form of compensation, you must operate under a different set of rules and possess a commercial drone license. We call it the Part 107, it’s not too hard to get, but it will take some time to learn all the rules. We want to help you learn the rules and get your commercial license, check out our drone pilot training material.
For everyone!
Legal and safety
B4UFly and/or Airmap
Airmap
$0.00 MSRP From pre-flight airspace analysis through your drone flight and safely back to the ground, the folks at Airmap have a powerful tool for you. For the most part, Airmap is what the name implies, a mapping program for your drone flight, behind the scenes, Airmap offers difference services for different levels and stages of our flight, including integration with drone insurance. For our hobby and basic commercial flights, we fire up Airmap first, it is an extensive airspace map that helps us decide where we can fly. If that flight area is in restricted airspace, Airmap has integration with LAANC, providing you with FAA authorization to put your drone into the sky. Just indicate your desired flight area and altitude, answer a few questions about your craft and the purpose of the flight and let Airmap handle the request with the FAA. Once you are in a registered flight within Airmap, it is able to show you a real-time map view of all ADS-B and other reported aircraft in the area. Flight safety and airspace situational awareness are key to a successful flight, Airmap has got your back. Airspace Map – powered by AirmapService ReviewDownload for iOSDownload for Android
Things to know before you fly
- You must register your drone with the FAA before you fly
- You must affix your drone registration number to your craft
- Coming soon: The FAA will require you to pass a test before you fly your drone
- You must acquire your Part 107 certificate if you are to receive any compensation for your flight
- You must follow all of the FAA’s airspace rules if you are flying outdoors
- Hobby flights have different requirements from commercial flights
- In the eye’s of the FAA, drones are aircraft. Period.
- You need to acquire authorization to fly in controlled airspace
Wrap up
That’s all we have for today. Please note that whatever brand of drone you purchase, there is probably a companion app to help you get more from the flight, or to outright control the craft. Please consult your manufacturer’s website and documentation for details. Of course, drop us a comment below and we’re happy to look up and add your required app to this list. Fly safe out there, and be sure to check out the available apps for your drone to get the most from the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use manufacturer apps to fly my drone? No, however, there may be very few alternatives available. If your manufacturer has exposed an API or SDK to allow third-party software to control your drone, then you’re in business. Most manufacturers involved with the Dronecode and PX4 systems are included here, as are DJI drones. We’ve got a full list of DJI GO 4 app alternatives, if that’s what you’re looking for. Do I have to use an app to fly a drone? Some drones require an app, but most can be controlled with just the remote control. The trade-off is a lack of fancy flight features. For example, you can fly your DJI Mavic Air 2 with just the remote, capture photos and video, engage RTH and more, but you will need an app on a connected mobile device to enable Quickshot flight modes or swap to panoramic photos. Don’t forget that your live view from your camera is also locked into the app for most drones. Should I pay for those expensive drone apps? Please consider your needs before you spend money on alternative apps. Most are worth it, but only if you need the features they provide. For example, Pix4D is out of the price range of many hobby pilots, but the advanced mapping features they provide are crucial to some commercial operations.
The post The drone apps you need to fly – from the manufacturer appeared first on Drone Rush.