What is LAANC?

The short version

LAANC stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. It's the FAA system that gives Part 107 (and recreational) drone pilots near-real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace around participating airports — instead of waiting weeks for a manual approval.

How it works

1. You open an FAA-approved LAANC app or service and draw where you want to fly.
2. The app checks the FAA's UAS Facility Map (UASFM), which divides the area into grid cells, each with a maximum altitude the FAA has pre-approved for drones — commonly 0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 feet.
3. If your requested altitude is at or below that grid ceiling, authorization is granted automatically, in seconds.
4. You get a confirmation to keep with you. That's it.

Each UASFM grid cell covers about one minute of latitude by one minute of longitude (roughly a square mile), so ceilings can change as you move around an airport.

When you need more altitude

If you need to fly higher than the grid's pre-approved ceiling, you can submit a Further Coordination request through a LAANC provider — but it's not instant and must be submitted in advance (generally at least 72 hours ahead) for ATC to review.

What if the airport isn't on LAANC?

Not every airport participates. For those, you request authorization manually through the FAA DroneZone. Manual requests are not instant and can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

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