Alphabet's Wing Releases OpenSky App to Guide Australian Drone Flights
Alphabet subsidiary Wing introduces OpenSky, a new app that helps Australian drone operators identify safe flight zones and avoid restrictions. The tool replaces an older government app as the first third-party platform connected to the country's new aviation safety system.
Alphabet's drone delivery subsidiary Wing introduces OpenSky, a new mobile and web app designed to help Australian drone operators find safe places and times to fly. The application quietly debuts on both the iOS App Store and Google Play, catering to recreational hobbyists and commercial businesses alike. This launch closely follows Wing's recent regulatory approval to deliver food, coffee, and other goods in the suburbs surrounding Australia's capital, Canberra.
OpenSky operates as the first third-party application to connect with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) new digital platform for remotely piloted aircraft. Because of this integration, CASA retires its older "Can I fly there?" app in favor of this new ecosystem of third-party safety tools. Wing states this approach gives drone operators more options to access the flight-related information they need.
The app provides a straightforward interface where users select their operator category—recreational, commercial under two kilograms, or certified commercial—before searching specific addresses. The map then displays no-fly zones, CASA compliance maps, and potential flight hazards to ensure users follow local regulations. Additionally, the platform includes a convenient feature that allows users to report unsafe drone operations directly to the aviation authority.