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FAA Streamlines Airspace Authorizations for Drones

The LAANC process will provide a quicker path for authorizations to operate drones in controlled airspace. Wikimedia Commons
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA is streamlining the approval process for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to enter controlled airspace, replacing a challenging 19-step manual application.
  • The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), a prototype for the UAS Traffic Management System (UTM), provides an automated, near real-time authorization process for UAS operators.
  • LAANC is expanding to cover nearly 500 airports by mid-September, enhancing operator flexibility and safety, and also allows private UAS Service Suppliers to offer its services.
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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.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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