LAANC System Explained: Instant Airspace Authorization for Drone Pilots

Imagine needing FAA authorization to fly in controlled airspace and receiving approval in seconds instead of waiting weeks or even months. That's exactly what the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system delivers. Since its launch, LAANC has revolutionized drone operations by automating what used to be a painfully slow manual process. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about LAANC, from how it works to which apps to use for instant authorization.

What is LAANC?

LAANC stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. It's a collaboration between the FAA and private industry that automates the application and approval process for airspace authorizations in controlled airspace at or below 400 feet.

Before LAANC, drone pilots needed to submit manual authorization requests through FAADroneZone and wait anywhere from several days to three months for approval. The FAA would manually review each request against UAS Facility Maps - maps showing maximum authorized altitudes around airports - and approve or deny based on that information.

LAANC automates this entire process. Now, pilots submit requests through approved mobile apps or web platforms, the system automatically checks multiple FAA databases, and if the request falls within approved parameters, authorization is granted in near real-time - often within seconds.

The Problem LAANC Solved

The pre-LAANC authorization process created significant problems:

• Massive delays: Waiting weeks or months for authorization was impractical for time-sensitive commercial work
• Inefficiency: The FAA was simply looking at pre-existing facility maps that pilots could already access
• Overwhelmed system: Manual processing couldn't scale to handle thousands of daily drone flights
• Compliance issues: Long delays encouraged some pilots to fly without authorization
• Limited air traffic awareness: Controllers had no real-time visibility into drone operations

How LAANC Works: The Technical Process

The UAS Data Exchange

LAANC operates through the UAS Data Exchange, a system that facilitates real-time sharing of airspace data between the FAA and approved companies called UAS Service Suppliers (USS). These companies develop the apps and platforms that pilots use to submit authorization requests.

When you submit a LAANC request, the system automatically cross-references your flight parameters against multiple FAA databases:

1. UAS Facility Maps (UASFMs): Pre-approved altitude ceilings around airports
2. Special Use Airspace (SUA): Military operations areas, restricted zones, prohibited areas
3. Airports and Airspace Classifications: Class B, C, D, and E surface areas
4. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs): Presidential visits, wildfires, sporting events
5. NOTAMs: Notices to Air Missions with current airspace information

If your requested altitude and location fall within approved parameters and no restrictions apply, the system generates instant authorization. If any conflicts exist, the request is either denied with explanation or flagged for further coordination.

Understanding UAS Facility Maps

UAS Facility Maps are the foundation of LAANC's automated authorization system. These maps divide controlled airspace around airports into color-coded grids, with each grid showing the maximum altitude at which the FAA may authorize Part 107 operations without additional safety analysis.

Grid altitude meanings:

• 0 feet AGL: No automatic authorization available (further coordination required)
• 50-400 feet AGL: Automatic authorization available up to the specified altitude
• No grid/white areas: Uncontrolled airspace (no authorization needed)

LAANC Coverage and Availability

Where LAANC is Available

As of January 2025, LAANC is available at approximately 726 airports across the United States, covering controlled airspace in:

• Class B airspace (major airports like LAX, JFK, ORD)
• Class C airspace (medium-sized airports)
• Class D airspace (smaller towered airports)
• Class E surface areas (designated for specific airports)

You can check LAANC availability using:

• The B4UFLY mobile app (FAA's official app)
• FAA UAS Data Map at faa.gov (LAANC airports shown in green)
• Any approved LAANC USS app (they all display coverage)

When LAANC is NOT Available

You cannot use LAANC for:

• Airports not participating in LAANC (use manual FAADroneZone process)
• Operations requiring waivers in addition to authorization (apply through FAADroneZone for both)
• Class A airspace (18,000 feet MSL and above)
• Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRAs) like Washington DC
• Active TFRs that prohibit all aircraft

Who Can Use LAANC?

Part 107 Commercial Pilots

Requirements:

• Hold valid Remote Pilot Certificate
• Register drones through FAADroneZone (Part 107 registration)
• Comply with all Part 107 operational rules

Benefits:

• Near real-time authorization for standard altitude ceilings
• Further coordination requests for altitudes above UAS Facility Map limits
• Night operations authorization (added August 2021)
• Can submit requests up to 90 days in advance

Recreational Flyers

Requirements:

• Pass TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test)
• Register drones through FAADroneZone (recreational registration)
• Follow all recreational flying rules under 49 USC 44809

Limitations:

• Can only request authorization at or below UAS Facility Map altitudes
• Cannot submit further coordination requests
• Cannot fly at night using LAANC (night operations not authorized for recreational use)
• In 0-foot grids, must use manual FAADroneZone process

FAA-Approved LAANC Service Providers

The FAA has approved multiple companies as UAS Service Suppliers to provide LAANC access. Each company offers slightly different features, interfaces, and pricing models. Here are the major providers:

Top LAANC Providers

How to Get LAANC Authorization: Step-by-Step

Prerequisites

Before requesting LAANC authorization, ensure:

• ✅ You hold either a Part 107 certificate or have passed TRUST
• ✅ Your drone is registered with the FAA
• ✅ You have downloaded an approved LAANC USS app
• ✅ You have created an account with your chosen provider

The Authorization Process

Step 1: Create Your Pilot Profile

1. Download and open your chosen LAANC app
2. Create an account with your email
3. Enter pilot information:
   • Full name and contact information
   • Part 107 certificate number (commercial pilots)
   • TRUST certificate number (recreational pilots)
   • FAA registration number for your drone

Step 2: Plan Your Flight

1. Select "Create Flight Plan" or similar option
2. Enter or drop a pin at your flight location
3. Define your operational area:
   • Flight radius (area you'll operate within)
   • Maximum altitude above ground level
4. Set date and time:
   • Start date/time
   • End date/time (or duration)
   • Can request up to 90 days in advance

Step 3: Review Airspace Information

The app will display:

• Airspace classification at your location
• UAS Facility Map altitude ceiling for your area
• Any active TFRs or NOTAMs
• Special use airspace warnings
• Weather minimums compliance status

Step 4: Submit Authorization Request

1. Verify all flight details are correct
2. Ensure your requested altitude is at or below the facility map ceiling
3. Review terms and confirm compliance with regulations
4. Submit request

Step 5: Receive Authorization

For standard requests (at or below facility map altitudes):

• ⚡ Instant approval (typically within seconds)
• 📱 Authorization displayed in app
• 📧 Email confirmation sent
• 💾 Save authorization for your records

Further Coordination Requests

What is Further Coordination?

Further coordination allows Part 107 pilots to request authorization to fly above the UAS Facility Map altitude ceiling but still at or below 400 feet AGL. These requests require manual review by an Air Traffic Manager (ATM) at the facility controlling that airspace.

Further Coordination Requirements

• Only for Part 107 pilots: Not available to recreational flyers
• Minimum 72-hour advance submission: Must request at least 3 days before desired start time
• Still capped at 400 feet AGL: Cannot request authorization above 400 feet through LAANC
• Manual review process: Not instant - typically processed within 24-48 hours after 72-hour window

When You Need Further Coordination

Common scenarios requiring further coordination:

• Flying in a 100-foot grid but need 250 feet for building inspection
• Operating in a 0-foot grid (no automatic authorization available)
• Aerial photography requiring higher altitude than facility map allows
• Survey work needing comprehensive coverage at optimal altitude

How to Submit Further Coordination

Process varies slightly by app, but generally:

1. Create flight plan as normal
2. Enter altitude above facility map ceiling
3. App identifies need for further coordination
4. Select "Request Further Coordination" option
5. Provide additional operation details if requested
6. Submit request at least 72 hours in advance
7. Wait for ATM review and decision

The facility can:

• ✅ Approve as requested
• ⚠️ Approve with conditions (lower altitude, shorter time window, etc.)
• ❌ Deny with explanation and potentially suggestions for adjustment

Night Operations Through LAANC

Since August 2021, Part 107 pilots can obtain authorization for night operations (between civil twilight) through LAANC. This was a major advancement - previously, night operations required separate waivers.

Night Operation Requirements

• Must hold Part 107 certificate (not available to recreational flyers)
• Drone must have anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
• Must complete Part 107 night operations training or pass updated knowledge test
• All other Part 107 rules apply (visual line of sight, weather minimums, etc.)

Requesting Night Authorization

When creating your flight plan:

1. Select start/end times that include nighttime hours
2. Confirm you have completed night training requirements
3. Verify your drone has proper anti-collision lighting
4. Submit request

Night authorizations process identically to day requests - instant approval if within facility map parameters.

Common LAANC Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario 1: Request Denied Due to TFR

Problem: You submit a LAANC request and receive instant denial due to Temporary Flight Restriction.

Solution:

• Check NOTAM details in your app or at faa.gov
• Determine TFR type (presidential visit, stadium event, wildfire, etc.)
• Wait until TFR expires and resubmit
• Move to different location outside TFR
• In emergency situations (news gathering), may apply for TFR waiver through FAADroneZone

Scenario 2: Operating Across Multiple Grid Altitudes

Problem: Your flight area crosses grid boundaries with different altitude ceilings (e.g., 100 feet in one grid, 200 feet in another).

Solution:

• Option 1: Request authorization at lowest common altitude (100 feet) covering entire area
• Option 2: Submit multiple separate LAANC requests for different grid areas
• You can hold up to 5 simultaneous LAANC authorizations within 100 nautical miles

Scenario 3: Airport Not LAANC-Enabled

Problem: You need to fly near an airport that doesn't participate in LAANC.

Solution:

1. Check UAS Facility Maps to see if authorization is possible
2. Log into FAADroneZone (not LAANC app)
3. Submit manual Part 107 Airspace Authorization request
4. Submit 60-90 days in advance when possible
5. Wait for manual processing (typically 2-4 weeks)

Scenario 4: Need Both Waiver and Authorization

Problem: Your operation requires a waiver (e.g., flying over people) AND controlled airspace authorization.

Solution:

• Cannot use LAANC - must apply through FAADroneZone for both
• Submit Part 107 waiver application
• Include airspace authorization request in same application
• Both will be processed together
• Allow 90+ days for processing

LAANC Best Practices

Before You Fly

• ✅ Request authorization even if you've flown the same location before - authorizations are time-specific
• ✅ Submit requests a day or two early when possible, even though instant approval is available
• ✅ Always check for new TFRs immediately before flight, not just when requesting authorization
• ✅ Verify weather meets minimums (3 miles visibility, 500 feet below clouds)
• ✅ Have authorization accessible on your device during flight
• ✅ Download B4UFLY as backup airspace reference

During Your Flight

• ✅ Remain within your authorized flight area and altitude
• ✅ Stay within authorized time window
• ✅ Monitor airspace for manned aircraft and yield right-of-way
• ✅ Be prepared to show authorization to law enforcement if requested
• ✅ Do not exceed Part 107 operational limitations even with LAANC authorization

Authorization Management

• ✅ Keep records of all LAANC authorizations (most apps store history)
• ✅ Cancel unused authorizations if plans change
• ✅ Don't request unnecessarily long time windows - be specific
• ✅ Review rejection reasons carefully if denied
• ✅ Update pilot profile information when credentials change

Troubleshooting Common LAANC Issues

App Won't Load or Crashes

• Ensure you have stable internet connection
• Update app to latest version
• Clear app cache or reinstall
• Try alternative LAANC provider app
• Check provider's status page for known outages

Authorization Request Stuck "Processing"

• Standard requests should be instant - if pending more than 5 minutes, there's likely an issue
• Check app notifications for error messages
• Verify all required fields were completed correctly
• Try canceling and resubmitting request
• Switch to different LAANC provider

GPS/Location Issues

• Enable location services for the app in device settings
• Ensure GPS has clear view of sky (not indoors)
• Manually enter address if GPS isn't working
• Wait for GPS to acquire sufficient satellite lock

The Future of LAANC and UTM

LAANC represents Phase 1 of the FAA's broader vision for UAS Traffic Management (UTM). Future enhancements expected to include:

• Expanded coverage: More airports and facilities added continuously
• Real-time traffic deconfliction: Automated separation between multiple drones
• Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) integration: Authorization framework for extended operations
• Remote ID integration: Direct connection between Remote ID broadcasts and LAANC authorizations
• Automated conformance monitoring: Real-time verification that flights remain within authorized parameters
• Advanced air mobility (AAM) coordination: Integration with future eVTOL aircraft operations

Key Takeaways

LAANC has fundamentally transformed drone operations in the United States:

• ✅ Provides near-instant authorization for controlled airspace operations
• ✅ Available to both Part 107 commercial pilots and recreational flyers
• ✅ Accessible through multiple FAA-approved apps and platforms
• ✅ Covers 726+ airports across the United States
• ✅ Uses UAS Facility Maps to determine automatic approval altitudes
• ✅ Supports night operations for Part 107 pilots
• ✅ Enables further coordination for operations above standard ceilings
• ✅ Represents major step toward full UTM implementation

Understanding and effectively using LAANC is essential for modern drone operations. Whether you're a commercial pilot flying inspections near airports or a recreational flyer exploring controlled airspace, LAANC provides the access and flexibility needed while maintaining safety and air traffic awareness. Download an approved app today, create your profile, and experience the ease of automated airspace authorization.