About
UASidekick is a purpose-built drone operations platform designed to simplify FAA regulatory compliance and flight management for all categories of UAS pilots. Whether you're a law enforcement officer deploying a drone in an emergency, a commercial pilot preparing for a professional shoot, or a hobbyist flying in controlled airspace, UASidekick provides the tools to stay compliant and situationally aware. The platform's standout feature is its rapid NOTAM filing capability, allowing pilots to file FAA-compliant NOTAMs in under 60 seconds — critical for emergency services where time is of the essence. It also offers seamless LAANC authorizations for flights in controlled airspace, removing the bureaucratic friction that can delay operations. UASidekick offers integrated situational mapping with real-time airspace data, aggregated weather information powered by partners like tomorrow.io, and B4UFLY integration to ensure pre-flight safety checks are always up to date. Flight logging and communication tools keep teams coordinated and records audit-ready. The app also supports traffic management and community access features, providing a shared interface for safety management, pilot communication, and public engagement. It integrates with Leidos and the FAA for authoritative data feeds, and is backed by partnerships with AMA, AUTEL Robotics, and the Coalition of UAS Professionals. Used and recommended by agencies like the New York State Preparedness Training Center, Ventura County Sheriff's Department, and various fire departments, UASidekick is trusted across government, public safety, and commercial drone operations.
Key Features
- Rapid NOTAM Filing: File FAA-compliant NOTAMs in under 60 seconds, purpose-built for emergency services and time-sensitive commercial operations.
- LAANC Authorization: Obtain FAA LAANC authorizations directly within the app for flights in controlled airspace, supporting both commercial and recreational pilots.
- Integrated Situational Mapping: View real-time airspace boundaries, restricted zones, and relevant geographic data through an integrated mapping interface.
- Live Weather Data: Access detailed, aviation-grade weather information powered by tomorrow.io to make safe and informed pre-flight decisions.
- Flight Logging & Communication: Log flights automatically and use built-in communication tools to coordinate with teams, agencies, and the broader UAS community.
Use Cases
- A law enforcement drone pilot uses UASidekick to file a NOTAM in under 60 seconds before launching a search and rescue operation in controlled airspace.
- A commercial drone operator pre-plans a real estate shoot using integrated mapping and weather data, then obtains LAANC authorization without leaving the app.
- A recreational hobbyist checks airspace restrictions and files for authorization before flying near a local airport, ensuring full FAA compliance.
- A fire department's UAS program uses UASidekick on every mission to meet their standard operating procedure for NOTAM filing under their Certificate of Authorization (COA).
- A state emergency management training center recommends UASidekick to all students for fast, reliable NOTAM filing during both training exercises and real emergency deployments.
Pros
- Extremely Fast Compliance: NOTAM filing in under 60 seconds makes it ideal for emergency services and time-critical missions where delays are not an option.
- All-in-One Platform: Combines NOTAM filing, LAANC authorization, mapping, weather, and flight logging in a single app, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
- Trusted by Government & Public Safety: Actively used and recommended by law enforcement, fire departments, and state agencies, giving it strong credibility in high-stakes environments.
- Covers All Pilot Types: Serves recreational hobbyists, commercial operators, and emergency responders with role-appropriate features and workflows.
Cons
- Niche Use Case: The platform is specifically designed for UAS/drone pilots and has limited utility outside of drone operations.
- US-Centric Compliance: NOTAM filing and LAANC authorization are FAA-specific features, limiting the app's applicability for pilots operating outside the United States.
- Subscription Required for Full Access: Advanced features are locked behind a subscription plan, which may be a barrier for casual recreational pilots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is UASidekick designed for?
UASidekick is designed for three primary user groups: emergency services pilots (law enforcement, fire, search and rescue), commercial drone pilots, and recreational hobbyists. Each group has access to features tailored to their specific compliance needs and operational workflows.
How fast can I file a NOTAM with UASidekick?
UASidekick is engineered to allow pilots to file FAA-compliant NOTAMs in under 60 seconds. This speed is critical for emergency operations where every second matters.
Does UASidekick support LAANC authorizations?
Yes. UASidekick integrates LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization directly into the app, enabling pilots to get FAA approval to fly in controlled airspace quickly and easily.
What weather data does UASidekick provide?
UASidekick provides detailed aviation-grade weather data through a partnership with tomorrow.io, giving pilots real-time and forecasted conditions to make safe pre-flight decisions.
Is UASidekick only for US-based pilots?
The core compliance features (NOTAM filing, LAANC authorization, B4UFLY) are built around FAA regulations and are therefore most applicable to pilots operating in the United States. Pilots in other countries may find the mapping and weather features useful but will not benefit from the regulatory integrations.
