Under the FAA’s Part 107 rule, operators of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are required to obtain approval to enter airspace controlled by an air traffic control facility. Airspace authorization is based on data from UAS Facility Maps, which generally allow for operations below 400 feet, and currently involves a 19-step manual application process, which has made it challenging at best for operators to conduct their UAS work.
FAA Streamlines Airspace Authorizations for Drones
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA is streamlining the previously challenging, 19-step manual approval process for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to enter controlled airspace.
- This improved process is primarily facilitated by the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), a prototype for the UAS Traffic Management System (UTM).
- LAANC offers UAS operators near real-time, automated airspace authorizations, significantly increasing operational flexibility and safety through data sharing.
- The LAANC system is rapidly expanding to cover nearly 500 airports and allows private UAS Service Suppliers to become authorized providers.
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