LAANC
LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between FAA and Industry. It directly supports UAS integration into the airspace.
This is an automated function of our FLITE Core™ system. When the system is building a flight plan using our AI capability, if the flight course will cause the aircraft to penetrate an area within five miles of a controlled airport, it will ask the pilot if he/she would like the system to request the waiver or plot a course so it does not penetrate the airspace. Additionally, the system admin or pilot can set defaults in the system that when building a flight plan, avoid controlled airspace on any plan.
LAANC provides:
- Drone pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet.
- Awareness of where pilots can and cannot fly.
- Air Traffic Professionals with visibility into where and when drones are
operating.
Through the UAS Data Exchange, the capability facilitates the sharing of airspace data between the FAA and companies approved by the FAA to provide LAANC services. The companies are known as UAS Service Suppliers – and the desktop applications and mobile apps to utilize the LAANC capability are provided by the UAS Service Suppliers (USS).
How does it work?
LAANC automates the application and approval process for airspace authorizations. Through automated applications developed by an FAA Approved UAS Service Suppliers (USS) pilots apply for an airspace authorization.
Requests are checked against multiple airspace data sources in the FAA UAS Data Exchange such as UAS Facility Maps, Special Use Airspace data, Airports and Airspace Classes, as well as Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). If approved, pilots can receive their authorization in near-real time. Unless specifically requested in an authorization, drone pilots do not need to notify the tower before they fly.
LAANC provides airspace authorizations only. Pilots must still check NOTAMs, weather conditions, and abide by all airspace restrictions.
How and when can drone pilots use LAANC?
Drone pilots planning to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA before they fly.
The LAANC capability is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107, OR under the exception for Recreational Flyers.
Access to the capability is provided through an FAA approved UAS Service Supplier. There are two ways to use LAANC:
- To receive a near real-time authorization for operations under 400 feet in
controlled airspace around airports. (available to Part 107 Pilots and
Recreational Flyers) - To submit a “further coordination request” if you need to fly above the
designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet. Applicants
may apply up to 90 days in advance of a flight and the approval is
coordinated manually through the FAA. (available to Part 107 pilots only)
