LAANC, or the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability system, is a new way for drone pilots to receive authorization to fly in controlled airspace near airports. Here are some tips on how to use LAANC to your advantage and stay within the law while flying your drone:
How to get LAANC Approval
The first step to getting LAANC approval is to find out if the airspace you want to fly in is controlled. You can do this by using the B4UFLY app or checking the FAA’s UAS Facility Map.
If the airspace is controlled, you will need to request approval from the air traffic control facility that manages that airspace. You can do this by submitting a request through the LAANC system.
Once your request is approved, you will be able to fly your drone in controlled airspace without having to coordinate with air traffic control. However, you will still need to obey all other regulations, such as maintaining a certain distance from airports and not flying over people.
If you are not approved for LAANC, you can still fly your drone in controlled airspace by getting a waiver from the FAA. You will need to submit a detailed plan of how you will safely operate your drone in that airspace, and the FAA will review it on a case-by-case basis.
What to do with LAANC Approval
Once you have LAANC approval, you need to follow the guidelines that are specific to the airspace you are flying in. These guidelines can be found in the UAS Facility Map.
In general, you will need to stay below 400 feet, maintain a certain distance from airports and other buildings, and avoid flying over people.
You will also need to obey all other drone regulations, such as not flying in national parks or restricted airspace.
Approved LAANCE UAS Service Providers
The following companies have been approved by the FAA to provide LAANC services:
- AirMap
- Skyward
- UASidekick
- DroneHive
- Aloft (Formerly KittyHawk)
Conclusion
LAANC is a new system that allows drone pilots to get approval to fly in controlled airspace near airports. To use LAANC, you will need to have a registered drone and a valid pilot’s license. You can find out if the airspace you want to fly in is controlled by using the B4UFLY app or checking the FAA’s UAS Facility Map.