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Top App for Drone Flying in 2025 | Best Flight Control Apps

Updated: Sep 19

The drone in your hands is only half the equation; the right app for drone flying is the brain behind the operation, unlocking its true potential. Whether you're a recreational pilot checking airspace, a commercial operator planning a complex mapping mission, or a cinematic creator executing a perfect shot, the software on your phone or tablet is your cockpit. With dozens of options available, each specializing in different tasks-from ensuring legal compliance to automating complex flights-it's easy to get overwhelmed.


This guide cuts through the noise. We will categorize and dive deep into the 12 best drone apps, analyzing their real-world performance, ideal use cases, and limitations. You'll find a detailed breakdown of each application, complete with screenshots and direct links to help you make an informed decision.


Forget generic feature lists. We are providing the practical insights you need to choose the perfect app to elevate your flying experience, from pre-flight safety checks with tools like B4UFLY to advanced mission planning with DroneDeploy. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to select the right software for your specific drone and flying objectives, ensuring every flight is safe, legal, and productive. Let's find the command center your drone deserves.


1. FAA B4UFLY


For any drone pilot operating in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) B4UFLY program is the essential starting point. While not a standalone app for drone flying itself, it serves as the official, authoritative directory for approved applications that provide crucial airspace awareness. This ensures pilots use tools that are up-to-date with FAA regulations and data, preventing reliance on inaccurate or unapproved third-party sources.




The website clearly lists FAA-approved B4UFLY providers, detailing their platform availability (iOS, Android, desktop) and linking directly to them. This approach allows you to choose an app interface you prefer while still getting federally-approved, reliable data on controlled airspace, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and other potential hazards.


Key Details & User Experience


Navigating the B4UFLY site is straightforward. Its primary function is to educate and direct users to compliant software, saving you the risk of downloading an outdated or non-compliant app. Think of it as a trusted launchpad for your flight planning.


  • Access Requirement: Free to access online.

  • Unique Offering: It's the official source of truth from the US governing body, providing links to multiple approved apps rather than being a single application.

  • Practical Tip: Always start here to find an approved provider. Once you select an app from their list, you'll need to create a separate account with that specific provider.


Pros

Cons

Authoritative US-specific guidance

Is a directory, not a flight app itself

Helps pilots find compliant apps

Requires choosing and signing up for a separate app

Free and official resource

Lacks advanced flight planning features



2. Aloft Air Control (formerly Kittyhawk)


Aloft Air Control, formerly known as Kittyhawk, is a comprehensive platform and powerful app for drone flying, trusted by both hobbyists and large-scale enterprise operations. As a leading FAA-approved B4UFLY and LAANC provider, it excels at delivering near real-time airspace authorizations for Part 107 and recreational pilots in the US, making it a go-to tool for ensuring compliance and safety before every flight.




Beyond simple airspace checks, the platform offers a robust suite of tools for total drone operations management. It integrates airspace advisories, detailed weather forecasts, preflight checklists, and automated flight logging. For commercial users, its web dashboard provides sophisticated fleet, team, and maintenance management, solidifying its position as an all-in-one operational hub. This multifaceted approach is a key part of the new era in drone safety that Aloft is pioneering.


Key Details & User Experience


Navigating Aloft is intuitive, whether using the mobile app for on-the-go LAANC requests or the web dashboard for deep operational planning. While the feature depth can present a slight learning curve for basic users, its scalability is a significant advantage, allowing pilots to grow from a free individual account to a full enterprise solution without changing platforms.


  • Access Requirement: Free tier available for individuals; paid plans for advanced and enterprise features.

  • Unique Offering: A single platform that scales from individual LAANC authorizations to complete enterprise fleet and pilot management.

  • Practical Tip: Use the integrated preflight checklists to standardize your operations and maintain a clear, automated log of your compliance activities for every mission.


Pros

Cons

Official LAANC provider

Some learning curve for new users

Scalable from free to enterprise

Advanced features require a paid subscription

All-in-one operations platform

Can be more complex than a simple map viewer



3. UASidekick


UASidekick is an FAA-approved B4UFLY and LAANC provider that serves as a powerful app for drone flying for both recreational and commercial pilots. It excels by integrating essential compliance tools into a single platform, moving beyond basic airspace maps to include automated flight logging and streamlined NOTAM UOA (Unmanned Aircraft Operating Area) submissions. This makes it a comprehensive solution for pilots who need to manage their operations efficiently.




The platform is designed for utility, offering features like map parcel lookups to identify property lines and ownership, which is invaluable for commercial operators. Its core function is providing instant authorization for flights in controlled airspace through LAANC while also keeping a meticulous record of all your flight activities for compliance and personal tracking.


Key Details & User Experience


While the user interface of UASidekick is more functional than flashy, it provides clear, direct access to critical data. The focus is on providing tools that simplify the regulatory side of drone piloting. Users appreciate its reliability for LAANC authorizations and the convenience of having flight logs automatically generated and stored.


  • Access Requirement: Free basic access with paid subscriptions for advanced features.

  • Unique Offering: Integrated NOTAM UOA submission and detailed flight logging that goes beyond simple airspace checks.

  • Practical Tip: Use the parcel lookup feature before a commercial job to ensure you have situational awareness regarding private property boundaries.


Pros

Cons

Integrates LAANC and compliance tools

Key features require a paid subscription

Automatic flight logging and records

User interface focuses on utility over polish

Useful parcel lookup for commercial pilots

Can have a steeper learning curve for new pilots



4. Avision for Drones


Avision is a powerful Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) platform that serves as a comprehensive app for drone flying, particularly for commercial and enterprise users in the United States. It integrates FAA-approved B4UFLY data with advanced flight planning, live LAANC authorizations, and sophisticated fleet management tools, making it a one-stop solution for professional operations.




The platform excels by bridging the gap between desktop planning and mobile field execution. Pilots can meticulously plan missions on a computer, factoring in regulations, weather, and terrain, and then seamlessly sync those plans to the mobile app for execution. This workflow is ideal for teams and organizations managing multiple aircraft and pilots.


Key Details & User Experience


Avision’s interface is clean and data-rich, providing clear airspace intelligence and mission parameters. While its extensive feature set is geared towards professional use, the core flight planning and LAANC authorization tools are intuitive enough for serious hobbyists. The platform shines in its ability to support complex, coordinated flights.


  • Access Requirement: Free tier available; advanced enterprise features require paid plans.

  • Unique Offering: Integrated desktop-to-mobile workflow for sophisticated flight planning and team management, including live video streaming capabilities.

  • Practical Tip: Use the desktop web app for detailed mission planning before heading into the field. This saves time and ensures all airspace, weather, and regulatory checks are complete before you launch.


Pros

Cons

Robust UTM features for enterprises

Features may be overkill for casual flyers

Integrated live LAANC authorizations

Enterprise features require paid subscription

Convenient desktop-to-mobile workflow

Primarily focused on the US market



5. OpenSky by Wing


Developed by Wing, an Alphabet company, OpenSky is a highly accessible app for drone flying designed for airspace awareness and flight authorization. It focuses on providing a clean, user-friendly interface for both recreational and commercial pilots in the United States and Australia to quickly check where it is safe to fly. The app simplifies the process of requesting LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) in supported US airspace.




The platform provides clear airspace overlays and mission tracking, sending notifications if conditions change. Its streamlined design makes it an excellent choice for new pilots who need a reliable tool without being overwhelmed by complex enterprise features. For those exploring various platforms, you can learn more about how OpenSky compares with other drone flight planning software picks.


Key Details & User Experience


OpenSky’s interface is one of its strongest assets, making pre-flight checks and LAANC submissions an intuitive process. The app is primarily mobile-focused, prioritizing on-the-go usability for pilots in the field rather than extensive desktop-based fleet management.


  • Access Requirement: Free to download and use.

  • Unique Offering: Backed by Alphabet’s Wing, offering a polished, beginner-friendly experience for core compliance tasks like LAANC.

  • Practical Tip: Use the mission tracking feature to log your flights and receive real-time airspace advisories directly to your mobile device.


Pros

Cons

Backed by Wing, an Alphabet company

Limited to airspace and LAANC features

Simple and accessible for new users

Primarily mobile with limited desktop workflow

Free for flight authorization and planning

Lacks advanced fleet or enterprise tools



6. DJI Fly


For pilots of modern DJI consumer drones like the Mavic, Mini, and Air series, DJI Fly is the essential, non-negotiable flight control application. As the official app for these models, it provides the core interface for piloting, accessing camera settings, managing firmware, and viewing real-time flight telemetry. Its design is streamlined specifically for ease of use, ensuring a direct and optimized connection between the controller, aircraft, and pilot.




The app integrates everything from pre-flight checks and flight tutorials to post-flight media management with its QuickTransfer feature and a basic video editor. It also connects to DJI's SkyPixel community, allowing you to share your work. For those looking to practice, you can master your skills with DJI's drone simulator before taking to the skies.


Key Details & User Experience


DJI Fly offers a clean user interface that simplifies the often complex process of drone operation, making it a great app for drone flying beginners and veterans alike. It consolidates critical flight data and camera controls into an intuitive layout, reducing the learning curve.


  • Access Requirement: Free to download, but required for operating supported DJI drones.

  • Unique Offering: It's the mandatory, all-in-one command center for specific DJI drones, ensuring flawless firmware and hardware compatibility.

  • Practical Tip: Android users must download the app directly from the DJI website, as it is not available on the Google Play Store. Always check the official site for the latest version.


Pros

Cons

Required and optimized for supported DJI drones

Not on the Google Play Store; requires sideloading on Android

User-friendly interface for flight and camera control

Compatibility can vary with certain phone models and OS updates

Includes tutorials and firmware updates

Less feature-rich for advanced flight planning than third-party apps



7. Autel Sky / Autel Explorer


If you fly an Autel Robotics drone, the Autel Sky or Autel Explorer apps are your native command centers. These official applications are specifically designed for the EVO series, providing the most integrated and reliable flight control experience. As a first-party app for drone flying, it ensures seamless communication between the controller, the drone, and your mobile device for everything from flight operations to firmware updates.




The Autel download page clearly distinguishes which app corresponds to which drone model, eliminating confusion. These apps deliver a stable HD video feed, full camera control, and access to intelligent flight modes like Orbit, Waypoint, and Rocket. For commercial users, the Explorer app unlocks advanced features for the EVO II Enterprise series.


Key Details & User Experience


The user experience is tailored directly to Autel hardware, offering a clean interface with flight telemetry, settings, and automated functions readily accessible. The apps also handle flight log synchronization and firmware management, making it the all-in-one solution for most Autel pilots.


  • Access Requirement: Free to download and use with Autel hardware.

  • Unique Offering: Native, hardware-optimized software that provides the most stable control and feature access for Autel EVO drones.

  • Practical Tip: Always check the Autel website for the latest app version and firmware updates before flying to ensure optimal performance and stability.


Pros

Cons

Optimized for Autel drone hardware

Stability can vary with firmware updates

Clear guidance on app compatibility

Advanced mapping may require third-party apps

Free with purchase of hardware

Feature sets differ between models



8. Litchi


For DJI drone pilots looking to unlock advanced autonomous flight capabilities beyond the official DJI app, Litchi is a top-tier alternative. It's renowned for its powerful mission planning and intelligent flight modes, making it a go-to app for drone flying that requires precision, repeatability, and creativity. Litchi essentially transforms a standard DJI drone into a more sophisticated tool for cinematography and automated tasks.




The platform’s strength lies in its pre-flight mission planner, which allows you to create complex waypoint missions on a desktop and sync them to your mobile device for execution in the field. This capability is perfect for creating smooth, cinematic camera movements, executing complex survey routes, or capturing stunning panoramas and time-lapses with minimal manual input during flight.


Key Details & User Experience


Litchi’s interface is feature-rich yet intuitive for those familiar with drone controls. Its core value is providing access to flight modes like Waypoint, Orbit, Follow, and VR mode, which may not be available or as robust in the native DJI apps. The strong community support and detailed documentation make it easier for new users to get started with complex missions.


  • Access Requirement: One-time purchase per mobile platform (iOS/Android).

  • Unique Offering: A comprehensive suite of advanced autonomous flight modes and a powerful cross-platform mission hub that syncs between desktop and mobile.

  • Practical Tip: Always double-check your drone model's compatibility on the Litchi website, as newer DJI drones may require the separate Litchi Pilot app. Plan your flights in a B4UFLY-approved app first, as Litchi does not provide airspace authorization.


Pros

Cons

Deep autonomous mission tools

Not fully compatible with all the latest DJI models

One-time purchase model

Does not provide LAANC or airspace data

Strong community and documentation

Requires pairing with an airspace app for compliance



9. DroneDeploy


DroneDeploy is a leading cloud platform designed for commercial drone operations, focusing on automated mapping, inspection, and data analysis. This enterprise-grade app for drone flying excels at transforming aerial imagery into actionable insights, making it a go-to for industries like construction, agriculture, and energy. It offers both a powerful mobile app for automated flight control and a comprehensive web-based dashboard for processing and collaboration.




The platform automates complex flight missions, including grid patterns and terrain-aware flights, to capture consistent data. Once uploaded, the cloud software processes this data into high-resolution 2D maps, 3D models, and even thermal images, complete with tools for measurement, annotation, and reporting. This end-to-end workflow makes it ideal for professional teams needing reliable data and seamless collaboration.


Key Details & User Experience


DroneDeploy’s interface is built for professional efficiency, guiding users through mission planning, execution, and data analysis. While the mobile experience is strongest on iOS, its web platform is a powerful hub for managing entire fleets and projects. Its focus is less on manual flight and more on automated data acquisition.


  • Access Requirement: Paid subscription with a 14-day free trial. Pricing is geared toward professional and enterprise users.

  • Unique Offering: A complete ecosystem for automated flight, cloud-based 2D/3D data processing, and enterprise-level team collaboration tools.

  • Practical Tip: Use the free trial to process a sample dataset from your specific worksite to evaluate if the mapping and analysis tools meet your project's requirements before committing.


Pros

Cons

Enterprise-grade mapping and analytics

Best mobile experience is on iOS

Automates complex flight missions

Pricing targets professional users and teams

Offers a 14-day free trial

Not ideal for manual, recreational flying



10. PIX4Dcapture Pro


For professionals in surveying, construction, and agriculture, PIX4Dcapture Pro is the premier app for drone flying when data collection for 3D modeling and mapping is the goal. Developed by photogrammetry leader Pix4D, this app is engineered for autonomous, grid-based flight missions designed to capture high-quality, geotagged imagery suitable for processing into detailed maps and models. It stands out by integrating directly into a professional data processing ecosystem.


The app supports a wide range of drones and offers advanced features like terrain awareness, ensuring the drone maintains a consistent altitude above ground level for uniform data quality. Its ability to plan missions on a desktop and sync them to a mobile device for field execution streamlines complex projects and enhances operational efficiency.


Key Details & User Experience


PIX4Dcapture Pro’s interface is mission-focused, guiding users through creating optimal flight plans for various mapping scenarios, including grid, double grid, and circular missions. It’s a specialized tool built for a specific purpose, prioritizing data integrity over recreational flying.


  • Access Requirement: The app itself is free to download, but unlocking its full potential and processing the captured data requires a paid PIX4D software license.

  • Unique Offering: Deep integration with the Pix4D photogrammetry suite (like PIX4Dcloud and PIX4Dmapper), creating a seamless workflow from flight to final product.

  • Practical Tip: Leverage the terrain awareness feature when flying over varied landscapes. This is critical for ensuring consistent image overlap and resolution, which directly impacts the quality of your final map or model.


Pros

Cons

Professional-grade mapping tool

Full functionality tied to paid Pix4D licenses

Backed by a leading photogrammetry vendor

Can be complex for casual or non-mapping flights

Supports terrain awareness and RTK drones

Legacy "PIX4Dcapture" app is discontinued



11. Dronelink


Dronelink is a powerful cross-platform app for drone flying that specializes in automated mission planning for both hobbyists and professionals. It supports a wide range of DJI and Autel drones, allowing users to create complex, repeatable flight paths with components like waypoints, orbits, mapping grids, and detailed inspection routes. Its standout feature is the ability to plan missions on a web interface and then execute them from any compatible mobile device.




The platform is built on a "component" system, enabling you to build, save, and reuse parts of missions across different projects, which drastically speeds up workflow. Before ever taking off, you can visualize the entire mission in a detailed 3D preflight preview, ensuring the camera angles and flight path are exactly what you need. This level of automation and pre-visualization makes it an invaluable tool for complex aerial cinematography and professional mapping tasks.


Key Details & User Experience


Navigating Dronelink’s web planner is intuitive, offering a robust set of tools without feeling overwhelming, thanks to extensive documentation and an active community forum. The mobile app provides a clean interface for executing the pre-planned missions.


  • Access Requirement: Free tier for flight tracking and social features; paid plans are required for automated flight missions.

  • Unique Offering: The reusable mission component system and detailed 3D preflight previews set it apart for efficient, complex flight planning.

  • Practical Tip: Always verify your specific drone model and controller are supported on Dronelink's compatibility list before purchasing a plan to ensure full functionality.


Pros

Cons

Powerful automation across skill levels

Automated flight requires a paid plan

Strong documentation and active community

Device and drone compatibility varies; check before use

Reusable mission components save time

Steeper learning curve than basic apps



12. UAV Forecast


UAV Forecast is a specialized weather forecasting app for drone flying, focusing exclusively on the atmospheric conditions critical for safe operation. Rather than providing generic weather data, it delivers detailed insights into wind speed and gusts at various altitudes, cloud cover, visibility, and even the KP index for geomagnetic activity, which can affect GPS accuracy. This specificity makes it an indispensable tool for pre-flight planning.




The platform’s standout feature is its clear "Good to Fly?" or "Not Good to Fly" indicator, which provides an at-a-glance summary based on user-defined safety thresholds. This simple visual cue, combined with detailed hourly breakdowns, empowers pilots to make quick, informed decisions without needing to interpret complex meteorological charts. For pilots who prioritize weather safety, a deeper look into a drone weather app like UAV Forecast is a wise investment.


Key Details & User Experience


The interface is clean and immediately understandable, presenting all critical weather variables on a single screen. Setting your preferred flight locations and custom weather limits is intuitive, allowing the app to tailor its recommendations to your specific drone and comfort level.


  • Access Requirement: Free basic version; subscription tiers unlock longer-range forecasts and more detailed data.

  • Unique Offering: A simple, customizable "Good to Fly?" indicator that distills complex weather data into a definitive recommendation.

  • Practical Tip: Pair this app with a LAANC provider like Aloft or AirMap. UAV Forecast handles the "if you can fly" from a weather perspective, while LAANC handles the "where you can fly" from an airspace perspective.


Pros

Cons

Highly focused on drone-specific weather

Does not provide airspace authorization (LAANC)

Clear fly/no-fly readiness indicator

Extended forecasts require a paid subscription

Customizable weather safety thresholds

Free version has limited forecast range



Key Features Comparison of 12 Drone Flight Apps


Drone App / Platform

Core Features / Capabilities ✨

User Experience / Quality ★★★☆☆

Value Proposition 💰

Target Audience 👥

Unique Selling Points 🏆

Price Points 💰

FAA B4UFLY

Official airspace guidance, approved app links

Authoritative but interface is directory-like

Free, official FAA guidance

Recreational pilots, US users

US-specific regulatory compliance

Free

Aloft Air Control

LAANC authorizations, flight logging, fleet mgmt

Comprehensive, moderate learning curve

Free tier for individuals; scalable enterprise

Individuals & enterprises (US)

Near real-time LAANC, team tools

Free + Paid tiers

UASidekick

LAANC, flight logs, NOTAM UOA, parcel lookup

Functional, utility-focused

Integrates LAANC & compliance tracking

Recreational & commercial pilots

Integrated NOTAM submission

Paid subscription required

Avision for Drones

UTM, LAANC, flight planning, fleet mgmt, sync

Robust, desktop-mobile workflow

Enterprise-grade, feature-rich

Agencies & enterprises

Desktop to mobile sync, live video streaming

Paid plans

OpenSky by Wing

Airspace overlays, LAANC, mission tracking

Simple, beginner-friendly

Backed by Alphabet’s Wing

New & recreational pilots (US, Australia)

Clean UI, supported by major company

Free

DJI Fly

Flight control, camera, tutorials, updates

Optimized for DJI drones, regular updates

Essential for DJI users

DJI consumer and prosumer pilots

Official DJI app, SkyPixel community integration

Free

Autel Sky / Autel Explorer

Live HD video, automated modes, flight logs

Optimized for Autel drones, variable stability

First-party support for Autel hardware

Autel EVO series users

Model-specific apps, Enterprise Explorer version

Free

Litchi

Autonomous missions, waypoint nav, VR modes

Deep mission tools, active community support

One-time purchase, mission planner

DJI drone users, advanced flyers

Advanced autonomous features

One-time purchase

DroneDeploy

Automated mapping, 2D/3D processing, team collab

High-quality enterprise platform

Enterprise focus, free trial available

Construction, agriculture, energy pros

Cloud data processing, collaboration tools

Paid plans, 14-day free trial

PIX4Dcapture Pro

Autonomous mapping, RTK support, cloud sync

Professional workflow support

Strong integration with photogrammetry tools

Mapping & modeling professionals

RTK compatibility, Pix4D ecosystem

Requires paid Pix4D licenses

Dronelink

Automated flight, reusable missions, 3D previews

Powerful automation, cross-platform

Flexible plan tiers for hobbyists & pros

Drone hobbyists & professionals

Mission components reuse, strong documentation

Paid plans

UAV Forecast

Drone-specific weather, no-fly overlays

Clear OK-to-fly indicator

Focus on weather for flight safety

All drone pilots

Specialized weather data, customizable alerts

Free + Subscription for extended forecast


Integrating the Perfect App Into Your Drone Workflow


Choosing the right app for drone flying is less about finding a single, all-powerful solution and more about assembling a customized digital toolkit. As we've explored, the drone software ecosystem is rich and specialized. A single flight, especially for a professional, rarely relies on just one application. Instead, a seamless workflow often involves a strategic combination of apps, each serving a distinct purpose in the pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight phases.


This approach transforms your smartphone or tablet from a simple controller into a comprehensive command center. You can build a system that ensures safety, unlocks creative potential, and maximizes operational efficiency. The key takeaway is to view these applications not as isolated products but as interconnected components of your broader drone operations.


Building Your Personalized App Stack


Your ideal app combination depends entirely on your objectives as a pilot. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so it's crucial to assess your needs and build a workflow that supports them.


  • For the Recreational Hobbyist: Your primary stack might be simple. Start with your manufacturer's app, like DJI Fly or Autel Sky, for intuitive flight control. Pair it with a free, reliable airspace awareness app such as FAA's B4UFLY or OpenSky to ensure you're always flying in a safe and legal location. This two-app system covers your fundamental needs without unnecessary complexity.

  • For the Professional Photographer/Videographer: Your toolkit will be more advanced. You'll still use your manufacturer's app for manual flight, but you'll likely add a third-party flight planner like Litchi or Dronelink. These tools unlock sophisticated automated camera movements like orbits, waypoints, and cable cams that are difficult or impossible to execute manually, elevating the cinematic quality of your work.

  • For the Commercial Operator (Surveying, Mapping, Inspection): Your workflow is mission-critical and data-driven. It will likely start with a robust weather tool like UAV Forecast for go/no-go decisions. You’ll then use an all-in-one platform like Aloft Air Control for LAANC authorizations, compliance checks, and fleet management. The actual flight will be conducted using a specialized data-capture app like DroneDeploy or PIX4Dcapture Pro, which automates complex grid patterns to ensure high-quality data for 2D maps and 3D models.


Final Considerations for Implementation


As you experiment with and integrate your chosen apps, keep a few final points in mind. Always ensure your apps and drone firmware are up to date to prevent compatibility issues or in-flight failures. Before deploying an app on a critical mission, test its functionality in a safe, open area to understand its behavior and limitations.


Ultimately, the best app for drone flying is the one that empowers you to fly safely, creatively, and efficiently. By understanding the specific strengths of each tool covered in this guide, you can move beyond basic flight and begin to truly master the capabilities of your unmanned aircraft. This strategic approach to software is what separates casual flyers from skilled, professional pilots.



Ready to elevate your drone skills from software to hardware? At JAB Drone, we specialize in high-performance, custom-built drones and top-tier components that push the boundaries of what's possible. Explore our collection of advanced drone kits and accessories to build a machine that perfectly complements your new app workflow at JAB Drone.


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