OpenSky Reviews

Maps don’t show the allowed flights heights!! No way to tell how high I can fly in a space that requires approval. This is a HUGE missing part and an issue!!!
Update - You have to tap on the box to see allowed height. Why? This is stupid! Just show it on the map!

There is no reason not to have the heigh limits in controlled airspace shown in each quadrant on the map. Sure, it might get a bit busy at a certain zoom level but once you're zoomed in significantly, the height limits should pop up so a user can compare multiple quadrant at once - especially because not all flights fit perfectly into the boxes and being aware of the lowest height limit for a mission at a glance is necessary. Tapping each quadrant is stupid. It defeats the purpose of a map. I've asked about this via feedback many times and there isn't even an acknowledgement that it is a good idea nor has there been an explanation for a good reason NOT to implement this. At the very least put a setting for the pilot to enable this feature if desired. Other new features are added each update that are unnecessary but not this fundamental piece of information. If this is changed I'll revise the review.

OpenSky only allows flights up to the max altitude zone, but does not allow further coordination with ATC

Great app! But the temporary flight zones (TFRs) are missing. For example today we have a presidential TFR at LAX within 30 miles radius, but on this app it’s not showing, which could lead to really bad consequences. B4UFLY and Air Aware both are showing the TFZs.

The interface is generally great but I can’t see what I’m typing in this comment section so I’ll keep it short. I love OpenSky interface but when you notify a flight it doesn’t show up on any other flight planning website. So what’s the point?

I like the layout of OpenSky , but they do not have the mini four pro to select from so I can’t use it when I fly the mini four Pro

OpenSky is functional and is easy to use. I can often times get a LAANC authorization using OpenSky when other systems are down. OpenSky can get a request rapidly, if you need it in a pitch.

However, there are things that I wish OpenSky would do, that other apps have as capabilities. First, most airport grid coordinates are square. But OpenSky only provides you a circular range for requesting authorization. And if you are working near the edge of a lower altitude grid, not having that ability to set up a rectangular area can prevent you from flying at a higher altitude if you need the radius in the opposite direction. So, for commercial use, this is not my go to app. I also have a need to be moving and setting up short flights on the fly around certain airports. So I need to be able to close an authorization once I landed, so that I can stay within the two authorizations limit. I have been unable to figure out how to close an active authorization in OpenSky. If that functionality is present, it is not intuitively obvious. Having to hunt and peck is not user-friendly. Finally, for the longest time there have been comments in the review section for OpenSky that have stated that it is not user-friendly, and just plain stupid, not to show the altitude for a grid on the screen without tapping. It is clear that the programmers do not care, because it has been so long, and nothing has been done about that. So, if I was Wing, I would either start making OpenSky more user-friendly, or dissociate your brand from OpenSky. You are doing yourselves no favors. It represents a programming group that is unprofessional.

OpenSky is good for any drone flyer to have but every time I try to plan a flight it says I need to sign in with Google, but every time I sign in it still tells me I have to sign in. I also could not find how I am able to see the max altitude on the map. I would appreciate help.

Tried to use Aloft Air Control.. it’s too clunky if you’re using a controller and not your phone. Open Sky is leagues better and much more comparable to Air Map!! Highly recommend.

I’ve tried out many apps when flying my drone to get LANC clearance. This is by far the easiest and it’s free. I will go nowhere else download OpenSky.

Helped me to get clearance to do some inspection work.