We are glad to publish the following press release by Newcastle University

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Drone enthusiasts are being urged to help design a new ‘safe-to-fly’ app idea, created for flyers to share their favourite sites all over the world. The creators are looking to crowdsource input and opinions to help them progress the idea, with the design stage set to start next month.

An increasing number of consumer multirotor aircraft, UAVs or drones are being bought and flown around the world. However, there is some confusion over how and where you can legally fly drones, with both manufacturers and airspace regulators keen to educate people on this issue. Users need to be aware of any prohibitions or local laws; in the UK, for example, you can’t fly over or within 150 metres of congested areas or within 50 metres of people, vehicles or structures of buildings not under your control with a camera drone.

Once it is built, the app will allow flyers to share appropriate and legal sites they have found for flying, wherever they are in the world. This will enable drone users to find easily accessible public right of ways for taking off from, beautiful scenery in open airspace and large, unobstructed areas perfect for flying.

The idea is being hosted on AppMovement.com, a new service released by Newcastle University, which enables anyone to propose, design and develop a mobile application. No previous experience is required in app design, with the site aiming to make the process fun and simple. People can get their friends and fellow enthusiasts involved in supporting the concept and promoting the idea, which is then automatically generated by the AppMovement service and released on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Simon Newton, the creator behind the idea, commented: “The drone app will help hobbyists around the world find safe and legal places to fly, by bringing together the different experiences of drone users. It is important to show the world that we don’t all buzz airports, peep into windows or fly like reckless kids!

“We’ve had great support for the idea so far and the development will be starting soon. However in order to make this free app a success, we need a good user base with plenty of people interacting with the app. This is a great opportunity for drone lovers to be part of the development of an exciting new app, set to enhance the flying experience.”

To take part in the done app’s design phase, you must register your support at https://app-movement.com/8xvy