What is LAANC Approval?

LAANC stands for "Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability." It is a system used in the United States by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to facilitate the approval process for drone operators seeking to fly their drones in controlled airspace near airports.

Controlled airspace includes areas where air traffic control (ATC) services are provided to manage the movement of manned aircraft. These areas often have specific altitude restrictions for drones to ensure the safety of both drone operations and manned aircraft.

Airspace map of Greater Pittsburgh area

LAANC allows drone operators to request and receive near real-time authorization to fly their drones in controlled airspace, as long as they adhere to specific altitude and operational restrictions. The LAANC system is integrated with various airspace maps and data sources, enabling drone operators to see which areas are restricted and which are available for authorization. This helps drone operators plan their flights more effectively and ensures that they can operate their drones safely without interfering with manned aircraft.

Before LAANC, obtaining authorization to fly in controlled airspace often involved a lengthy manual process that could take weeks. LAANC greatly streamlines this process, allowing drone pilots to receive authorization within minutes, which is especially important for time-sensitive operations like aerial photography, inspections, and emergency response.

It's important to note that while LAANC makes the authorization process more efficient, drone operators are still responsible for understanding and adhering to all relevant regulations and safety guidelines when flying their drones, even within approved airspace.

Furthermore, not only could LAANC approval take up to 90 days for the complete manual review process to be completed, but there is also no assurance that the LAANC request will be granted.