Much of the most interesting airspace for drone work — cities, coastlines, event venues — sits near airports in controlled airspace. LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is how many pilots gain access to it safely and legally.
How LAANC works
LAANC connects pilots with the FAA through approved UAS Service Suppliers, typically inside apps you may already use. Requests within the limits shown on FAA UAS Facility Maps can often be approved in near-real time.
Reading the grid
UAS Facility Maps divide airspace around participating airports into grid squares, each labeled with the maximum altitude that can be authorized. A “0” means no automatic authorization — not “no flying ever,” but a request that requires further coordination.
Who can use it?
- Part 107 remote pilots, at or below the altitudes shown on the facility map.
- Recreational flyers, for flights at or below 400 feet in controlled airspace.
The airline perspective
Controlled airspace exists because traffic is dense and fast. Treat an authorization like an air traffic control clearance: know exactly what you were approved for, stay within it, and have a plan if something changes.
Always confirm current requirements at faa.gov/uas before you fly.
