FAA LAANC: How Drone Pilots Get Airspace Authorization Fast 

Key Takeaways

• LAANC gives drone pilots FAA airspace authorization for eligible operations in controlled airspace at or below 400 feet.
• Both recreational flyers and Part 107 pilots can use LAANC for near-real-time authorization.
• UAS Facility Map grid numbers show the altitude in feet AGL eligible for near-real-time approval.
• Part 107 pilots can request further coordination above a grid ceiling, up to 400 feet.
• LAANC is currently available at 726 airports.
• Eligible LAANC requests can be approved within seconds, though pilots must still check NOTAMs, TFRs, weather and other restrictions.

What Is LAANC and Why It Matters for Drone Pilots

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is an FAA system that gives drone pilots near-real-time approval to fly in controlled airspace at or below 400 feet near airports. It is the fastest way for both recreational and Part 107 pilots to get an FAA airspace authorization, and it’s free.

With LAANC, you can:

• Get instant approval to fly in certain controlled airspace.
• Check your flight route against the UAS Facility Map.
• See temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and special use airspace schedules. 

Who Can Use LAANC — and What You Need

Both recreational flyers and pilots operating under Part 107 can use LAANC to request FAA authorization to fly in controlled airspace. For a recreational flyer, obtaining a recreational flyer airspace authorization starts with meeting the FAA’s recreational requirements, including passing the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. Recreational drones weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more must also be registered with the FAA.

Pilots operating under Part 107 must register their drone and hold a valid Remote Pilot Certificate. Both groups can receive LAANC approval at or below the altitude shown on the applicable UAS Facility Map. However, only Part 107 pilots can submit a further-coordination request when they need to fly above that published ceiling, up to 400 feet.

Requirement	Recreational flyer	Part 107 pilot
Register your drone	Required at 0.55 lb/250 g or more	Yes
Credential needed	Pass TRUST before flying	Hold a Remote Pilot Certificate
Near-real-time authorization (≤ ceiling)	Yes	Yes
Further-coordination request (above ceiling, up to 400 ft)	No — Part 107 only	Yes, up to 90 days ahead
Typical turnaround	Often seconds for eligible near-real-time requests	Often seconds; longer when further coordination is required

LAANC vs. FAA Waivers: What’s the Difference?

A LAANC authorization and an FAA waiver solve different problems. A waiver is the FAA’s approval to operate outside certain standard Part 107 rules, for example, flying over some categories of people or beyond visual line of sight, and it can take up to 90 days to process.

An airspace authorization through LAANC, on the other hand, is:

• Faster – often approved instantly.
• Simpler – designed specifically for flights at or below 400 feet in controlled airspace.
• Widely available – over 700 airports participate, and the list is available on the FAA’s website.

How to Get LAANC Approval

Getting started with LAANC is easy:

1. Choose a LAANC-compatible app – examples include Aloft and AutoPylot.
2. Create an account and enter your planned flight route.
3. Request authorization – the app sends your request to the FAA’s UAS Data Exchange.
4. Wait for instant approval – your request is checked against TFRs, NOTAMs, and facility maps. 

With approval in hand, you can fly safely, legally, and confidently in controlled airspace. For a full, screen-by-screen walkthrough, see our guide on how to file a LAANC request.

Understanding UAS Facility Maps and the Gridded Numbers

A UAS Facility Map shows altitude ceilings around airports that help determine how quickly the FAA can process drone airspace authorization requests. Each map is divided into grids, and the gridded numbers represent altitudes in feet AGL, or feet above ground level. These numbers indicate the maximum altitude at which an eligible LAANC request can typically receive near-real-time authorization without additional FAA coordination.

For example, a grid marked “100” indicates that an eligible request at or below 100 feet AGL may qualify for near-real-time authorization. A 0-foot grid does not provide an altitude for automatic near-real-time approval.

LAANC supports two main types of requests. Both recreational flyers and Part 107 pilots can request near-real-time authorization at or below the applicable UAS Facility Map ceiling. A further coordination request asks to operate above that ceiling, up to 400 feet, and is available only to Part 107 pilots. Those requests can be submitted up to 90 days before the planned flight and require manual FAA coordination.

Remember that LAANC provides airspace authorization only. Pilots are still responsible for checking NOTAMs, temporary flight restrictions, weather conditions and any other applicable airspace restrictions before flying.

Where Can You Fly With LAANC?

LAANC is currently available at 726 airports, allowing eligible recreational and Part 107 pilots to request airspace authorization in participating controlled airspace. Before planning a flight, check the FAA’s list of airports participating in LAANC to determine whether your location is covered.

If an airport is not LAANC-enabled, you may still be able to request FAA airspace authorization through the FAA DroneZone. The authorization process is manual rather than near-real-time, so pilots should allow additional time for FAA review.

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