2.6 LAANC and Airspace Authorization

The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is the FAA's automated system that provides near-real-time airspace authorization for drone operations in controlled airspace. Understanding LAANC is essential for both the exam and real-world operations.

What Is LAANC?

LAANC is a collaboration between the FAA and private industry that:

• Automates the application and approval process for airspace authorizations
• Provides near-real-time authorization (often within seconds)
• Is available through FAA-approved third-party apps (Aloft/Kittyhawk, AirMap, DJI Fly, DroneUp, etc.)
• Works at over 700 airports and 500+ FAA ATC facilities nationwide
• Is available to both Part 107 and recreational drone operators

How LAANC Works

1. Request: Submit an authorization request through an approved LAANC app
2. Automated Check: The system checks your request against:
   • UAS Facility Maps (UASFM) — pre-approved altitude ceilings
   • Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
   • NOTAMs
   • Special Use Airspace
   • Airports and airspace class data
3. Approval/Denial: If the request falls within UASFM limits, approval is typically automatic and near-instant
4. Fly: Authorization is valid for the specified time window (typically 1 day)

UAS Facility Maps (UASFM)

UAS Facility Maps are the backbone of LAANC. They define:

• Maximum altitudes that can be auto-approved through LAANC for each grid cell around an airport
• Values range from 0 feet AGL (no operations approved) to 400 feet AGL
• Updated regularly by the FAA based on air traffic analysis
• Available online at the FAA's UAS website and in LAANC apps

Reading UASFM altitude grids:

• 400 = Full Part 107 altitude approved (most permissive)
• 200 = Operations up to 200 feet AGL auto-approved
• 100 = Operations up to 100 feet AGL auto-approved
• 0 = No LAANC auto-approval available — must use manual (DroneZone) process

When LAANC Cannot Help

LAANC has limitations:

Manual (DroneZone) Authorization Process

When LAANC cannot serve your needs:

1. Submit through FAA DroneZone (faadronezone.faa.gov)
2. Processing time: up to 90 days (though the FAA works to process faster)
3. Requires more detailed information about the operation
4. Can authorize altitudes above UASFM limits if appropriate
5. Authorization may include specific conditions

LAANC Best Practices

• Request authorization before arriving on site — don't wait until you're in the field
• Check the UASFM before planning — know what altitudes are available
• Have a backup plan — if LAANC denies your request, be prepared to operate elsewhere
• Verify the authorization is active before launching
• Stay within authorized limits — your authorization specifies altitude and area
• Cancel or expire authorizations you don't use

LAANC for Recreational Flyers

Since the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, LAANC is also available to recreational flyers. This means:

• Recreational operators can get near-real-time authorization through LAANC apps
• The same UASFM altitude limits apply
• This replaces the previous notification-only system for recreational operators in controlled airspace