How To Use FlightReady LAANC
Creating an Account
You must create an account to use the app. Additionally, a phone number is required when submitting an operation for FAA authorization. This number is used solely by the FAA to contact you regarding your operation and is not used for any other purpose.
Basic Usage
When you tap a location on the map, the app evaluates the airspace and informs you whether drone operations at that location require prior ATC authorization. It also alerts you if operations are restricted due to the presence of special use airspace or if the operation falls within a 3-nautical-mile radius of a stadium.
If ATC authorization is required and LAANC is available at that location, the app will prompt you to provide detailed flight information, such as start time, duration, and altitude. This information is used to determine whether the proposed operation can be automatically approved or if further coordination with ATC is necessary, and whether any additional restrictions apply (for example, a prohibition on recreational night operations).
If your proposed operation meets FAA requirements, it may be submitted for authorization. Operations below the maximum altitude specified for the area are automatically approved, while all others are submitted to ATC for review.
WARNING: The FAA may establish Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) via NOTAM that restrict drone operations at any time. This app does not check NOTAMs and does not provide information about TFRs. For real-time details on TFRs and other airspace activity, please visit the following FAA websites:
Map Legend
| A | Restricted or Prohibited |
| B | Stadium Zone (3 NM Radius) |
| C | Controlled Airspace |
Generally, any map location that is not shaded allows for unrestricted drone operations under the Federal Aviation Regulations.
However, you must still check NOTAMs and local restrictions before any flight operation.
Airspace Status
Tap on any location to determine the status of the airspace.
| Authorization Not Required | There is no controlled, restricted, or prohibited airspace at the selected location. However, the operator must still check NOTAMs before flight, and comply with any local laws. |
| Caution | Authorization is probably not required to operate at the selected location, however, there may be restrictions or hazards that may require additional action before flight. The most common reason is being within 3 nautical miles of a stadium. Check NOTAMs and TFRs before operating in this area. |
| Restricted Operations | Operations are restricted or prohibited at the selected location. This is usually due to:
|
| Authorization Required | There is controlled airspace at the selected location, and LAANC is available. Tap "Create LAANC Request" to enter information about your operation and submit an authorization request. |
Identifying LAANC Airspace
LAANC authorizations are only available for certain airports within controlled airspace (blue-shaded areas) where the FAA has established a "UAS Facility Map" (UASFM). These facility maps consists of 1/2-mile x 1/2-mile rectangular areas with a number indicating the ceiling (up to 400 feet AGL).
- Operations below the ceiling may be automatically approved in real-time.
- Operations above the ceiling must be submitted to ATC for "further coordination" at least 24 hours before the proposed operation.
Some airports may have a UAS Facility Map, but it may not be active for LAANC authorizations or the airspace may be uncontrolled at the time of your proposed operation. In addition, some UASFMs only accept certain types of authorizations, for example, Part 107. In such cases, the app will return a status of "LAANC Not Available" after you enter the information about your operation.
Basic Requirements and Limitations
IMPORTANT: LAANC is a service to obtain FAA approval to operate in controlled airspace. The pilot remains responsible for complying with all other federal, state, and local laws and regulations that may restrict or prohibit drone operations in the proposed flight area.
Operation limits:
- Maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL.
- Flight area is limited to a radius of 15,000 feet (approximately 3 statute miles).
- Operation start time must within 90 days.
- Duration must be less than 12 hours.
You may not submit more than 5 operations that overlap, and any operations with overlapping times may not be more than 100 nautical miles apart.
Further coordination requests (operations above a designated ceiling) must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance of the start time of the operation, and will be automatically cancelled if not approved within 24 hours of the start time.
Always check NOTAMs, weather, and the schedule for any special events before beginning your operation. A LAANC authorization does not grant authorization to operate in any airspace where drone operations are not permitted due to:
- Temporary Flight Restrictions
- NOTAMs
- Events at designated stadiums.
- Weather conditions that restrict operations within Class E Surface airspace.
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