LAANC Drone Airspace Tool

Overview of LAANC

What is LAANC?

LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between FAA and industry providers such as FlightReady. LAANC provides drone pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet, and awareness of where they can and cannot fly.

Through the UAS Data Exchange, LAANC facilitates the sharing of airspace data between the FAA and companies such as FlightReady that are approved by the FAA to provide LAANC services. The companies are known as UAS Service Suppliers (USS).

FlightReady LAANC

FlightReady is a provider of UAS services within the FAA's Low-Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). LAANC may be used to satisfy compliance with Air Traffic authorization. Information provided here is based on real-time and available projected information on airspace status and airport-specific maps, and that information is subject to change. Planning tools should be checked prior to flight for any changes that could impact the operation.

How does LAANC work?

LAANC automates the application and approval process for controlled 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 Do I Use LAANC?

LAANC is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 or under the exception for Recreational Flyers. Eligible pilots may use LAANC in two ways:

• Receive a near real-time automatic authorization for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports. Automatic authorizations may be limited to a ceiling below 400 feet to ensure a safe buffer between drones and piloted aircraft.
• Submit a "further coordination" request if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet. You can 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).

Authorizations for night operations are not available for recreational operations. Part 107 pilots may operate at night through LAANC using a national authorization.

Where is LAANC Available?

LAANC is available at over 700 airports. If you want to fly in controlled airspace near an airport not served by LAANC, you must apply for authorization at FAA Drone Zone.

NOTE: If an airport is not within controlled airspace, you do not need FAA authorization to operate a drone near that airport. However, you must still comply with all federal and local regulations that may apply.