In the fast-paced realm of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the United States, mastering the complexities of airspace regulations is paramount for successful drone operations. Enter the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) – a game-changing tool that opens up smooth pathways to the skies.
This piece will take a deep dive into the world of LAANC, exploring its significance in the industry, step-by-step operational procedures, the application process, and guidelines for drone pilots. And that’s not all.
We’ll shine a spotlight on the greenlit LAANC UAS Service Suppliers, providing a comprehensive insight into this groundbreaking system that’s revolutionizing the landscape of drone aviation in the United States.
Table of Contents
ToggleLAANC, standing for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, is a joint venture between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and private industry. Its primary role is to facilitate the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the national airspace.
Key offerings of LAANC include:
Source: FAA
LAANC operates through the UAS Data Exchange, a system that enables the exchange of airspace data between the FAA and FAA-approved companies, known as UAS Service Suppliers (USS). These suppliers offer the necessary desktop applications and mobile apps that enable the use of LAANC services. LAANC offers a streamlined process for obtaining airspace authorizations, especially near airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is committed to the safe coexistence of drones and manned aircraft in shared airspace.
LAANC, or Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, presents an opportunity for the industry to collaborate with the FAA in developing a UAS Traffic Management System (UTM).
Entities that are authorized to offer LAANC services are designated as FAA Approved UAS Service Suppliers (USS).
UAS Facility Maps | Source: Aloft.AI
LAANC streamlines the process for obtaining airspace authorizations by automating applications and approvals. Pilots submit their requests through systems provided by FAA Approved UAS Service Suppliers (USS).
These requests are then cross-referenced with various sources within the FAA UAS Data Exchange, including UAS Facility Maps, Special Use Airspace data, details on Airports and Airspace Classes, as well as Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). Approvals are granted almost instantly.
Drone pilots, unless specified in their authorization, aren’t required to inform the tower before flight.
However, LAANC solely handles airspace authorizations. Pilots are responsible for checking NOTAMs, assessing weather conditions, and complying with all other airspace restrictions.
The New Applicant Onboarding Process for LAANC is a five-step process:
New Applicant Onboarding Process Timeline* | Source: FAA
*A slight adjustment may be made due to calendar shifts from year to year. The exact dates will be published on the LAANC website.
The process begins with an Application Period, where LAANC USS applicants must familiarize themselves with several key documents and submit a comprehensive application package, adhering to specific requirements.
During the FAA Submission Review, the FAA evaluates complete applications, potentially requesting additional information.
Successful applicants are then invited to a Technical Interview, a crucial step where scheduling and participation are mandatory.
Following the interview, selected applicants proceed to Formal Testing, involving integration with the LAANC Automation Platform in an onboarding environment. This phase includes connectivity verification, security implementations, and full integration for comprehensive testing.
The final phase, LAANC Go-Live & Approved USS, involves finalizing formalities and granting production LAANC credentials, enabling the new USS to connect to the LAANC system. This comprehensive process ensures that all approved LAANC USSs meet the necessary standards and requirements for safe and effective operation within the LAANC framework.
LAANC Authorization Request
Drone operators intending to fly at altitudes below 400 feet in controlled airspace near airports must obtain an airspace authorization from the FAA beforehand.
LAANC is accessible to those flying under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 or as Recreational Flyers, via FAA Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers.
LAANC usage involves two main approaches:
Part 107 pilots must register their drone and possess a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Recreational Flyers are required to register their drone and complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before their initial flight.
For operations in controlled airspace necessitating both a waiver and airspace authorization, applications for both must be submitted through the FAA’s DroneZone.
Source: EASA
LAANC provides several benefits to drone operators:
The listed companies have fulfilled the necessary technical requirements and have formalized agreements with the FAA to offer LAANC Services:
Approved Service Supplier | Part 107 Near — Real Time Authorization | Part 107 Further Coordination | Exception for Recreational Flying/Section 44809 | IOS App | Android App | Desktop |
AirMatrix | Y | Y | Y | – | – | Y |
Airspace Link | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Aloft | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
AstraUTM | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – |
AutoPylot | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – |
Avision | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
eTT Aviation | Y | Y | Y | – | – | Y |
FlightReady | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – |
UASidekick | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Wing | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – |
*Y = publicly available service
Applicants to the LAANC USS should be aware of the following:
For more information, you can check out this document.
LAANC typically provides near real-time approvals for airspace authorizations. This means that once a request is submitted, the approval process is usually completed within a few minutes in most cases. Sometimes it may take more – anywhere between a few hours to a couple of days.
LAANC is available to both Part 107 certified pilots and recreational flyers.
To get LAANC clearance, pilots need to submit an airspace authorization request through a LAANC provider, using either a mobile app or desktop application provided by an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier (USS).
Identifying the “best” LAANC provider can be subjective and may depend on specific needs and preferences. It’s advisable to research and compare different FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers to find the one that best suits your requirements.
Be sure and check out our page with guides, posts and other helpful information.
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