🇬🇧 Guide

LAANC Authorization: How to Fly Your Drone in Controlled Airspace

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Most drone pilots don't realize that a huge portion of US airspace — especially near cities and airports — requires authorization before flying. But here's the good news: LAANC can give you that authorization in seconds. The Gyoseishoshi approach: check every time, document every approval, fly with complete confidence. — MmowW Team 🦉

Quick Takeaways

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) provides near-instant authorization to fly in controlled airspace
Required for any drone flight in Class B, C, D, or E (surface) airspace under Part 107 or § 44809
Authorization through FAA-approved apps: AirMap, Aloft (B4UFLY), Kittyhawk, and others
If your requested altitude exceeds the UASFM grid ceiling, you must request "Further Coordination" (may take days to weeks)
Some airspace near major airports may have grid ceilings of 0 ft — meaning LAANC cannot authorize flight there at all

What Is LAANC and Why Do You Need It?
When Is LAANC Required?
The UAS Facility Map (UASFM): Understanding the Grids
How to Get LAANC Authorization: Step-by-Step
LAANC-Approved Apps
What Happens When LAANC Doesn't Work (Further Coordination)
LAANC Authorization Limitations
Tips for Efficient LAANC Use
How MmowW Integrates LAANC Checks
FAQ
Summary

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What Is LAANC and Why Do You Need It? {#what-is-laanc}

LAANC — Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — is the FAA's automated system for granting near-real-time airspace authorization to drone pilots operating in controlled airspace.

Before LAANC, getting authorization to fly near an airport could take days or weeks via manual FAA review. LAANC transformed this process: for most locations, authorization can be granted in seconds through a smartphone app.

The Problem LAANC Solves

The US airspace system was designed for manned aircraft. Most major cities and areas near airports are controlled airspace — meaning flights (manned or unmanned) require coordination with air traffic control. Without a system like LAANC, every drone flight near a city would require individual manual FAA review.

LAANC automates the low-altitude authorization process, cross-referencing your proposed flight against pre-established altitude grids (the UAS Facility Map) and granting authorization instantly if the flight meets the criteria.

Regulatory basis: 14 CFR § 107.41

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When Is LAANC Required? {#when-required}

LAANC (or an alternative FAA authorization) is required for ANY drone flight in:

| Airspace Class | Description | LAANC Required? |

|---|---|---|

| Class B | Busiest airports (major metro areas) | YES |

| Class C | Busy airports (mid-size cities) | YES |

| Class D | Smaller airports with control towers | YES |

| Class E (surface) | Some airports' surface areas (dashed magenta on charts) | YES |

| Class E above surface | Most of the US between 1,200 ft AGL and 18,000 ft MSL | Generally NO for drone flights under 400 ft in Class G below E floor |

| Class G | Uncontrolled airspace | NO |

Most US cities are controlled airspace. If you're planning to fly in any urban or suburban environment, or within approximately 5 miles of any airport with a control tower, you are almost certainly in controlled airspace. Always check BEFORE flying. Source: FAA B4UFLY

Both Part 107 and § 44809 Operators Need LAANC

LAANC applies to both commercial (Part 107) and recreational (§ 44809) drone operators. The requirement to obtain authorization for controlled airspace is universal.

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The UAS Facility Map (UASFM): Understanding the Grids {#uasfm}

The UAS Facility Map (UASFM) is the foundation of LAANC. It's a grid-based map that shows the maximum altitude at which the FAA will grant automatic authorization via LAANC for each area.

How the Grid Works

The US is divided into grid squares (approximately 1 square mile each) in controlled airspace. Each grid square has a ceiling value:

| Grid Value | Meaning |

|---|---|

| 0 ft | No automatic LAANC authorization available — must use Further Coordination |

| 100 ft | LAANC can authorize flights up to 100 ft AGL |

| 200 ft | LAANC can authorize flights up to 200 ft AGL |

| 300 ft | LAANC can authorize flights up to 300 ft AGL |

| 400 ft | LAANC can authorize flights up to 400 ft AGL (maximum under Part 107) |

Grid values reflect ATC workload and safety margins. Areas directly under approach and departure paths have lower grid values (or 0 ft) because aircraft traffic density makes low-altitude drone operations more complex. Areas farther from runways but still in controlled airspace may have higher values. Source: FAA UASFM

Viewing the UASFM

You can view the UASFM at: udds-faa.opendata.arcgis.com

Or use any LAANC-approved app, which displays the UASFM overlaid on a map of your planned flight area.

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How to Get LAANC Authorization: Step-by-Step {#how-to-laanc}

Step 1: Open your LAANC-approved app → Step 2: Enter your planned flight location (pin on map) → Step 3: Enter planned altitude (e.g., 200 ft) → Step 4: Enter planned flight date and time → Step 5: App checks your location against UASFM grid → Step 6a: If altitude ≤ UASFM grid value → Near-instant approval → Receive authorization → FLY → Step 6b: If altitude > UASFM grid value → Further Coordination required → Submit manual request → Wait (days to weeks)

What Happens During Authorization

When you submit a LAANC request through an approved app:

The app sends your flight parameters (location, altitude, time) to the FAA LAANC system
FAA LAANC system checks against the UASFM grid for your location
If approved: Authorization is granted and transmitted back to your app within seconds
You receive a LAANC authorization number — record this for your flight log

Your LAANC Authorization

A LAANC authorization:

Is specific to the requested location, altitude, and time window
Typically valid for a set time window (varies by app — usually 4 hours or the period you requested)
Can be cancelled if you decide not to fly
Should be recorded in your flight log

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LAANC-Approved Apps {#approved-apps}

The FAA authorizes specific third-party apps to provide LAANC services. As of 2026, FAA-approved LAANC providers include:

| App | Notes |

|---|---|

| Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk / B4UFLY) | aloft.ai — FAA's official B4UFLY is now part of Aloft |

| AirMap | airmap.com |

| Skyward | Enterprise-focused |

| DroneLogBook | Combined log and LAANC |

| Others | Check FAA's current approved provider list at faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/data_exchange |

Always verify an app is FAA-approved before relying on it for LAANC. Only apps on the FAA's official approved LAANC provider list provide legally valid authorizations. A non-approved app may show you UASFM data but cannot grant legal authorization. Source: FAA LAANC approved providers

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What Happens When LAANC Doesn't Work (Further Coordination) {#further-coordination}

When your requested altitude exceeds the UASFM grid ceiling for your location, LAANC cannot provide automatic authorization. Instead, you must request Further Coordination — a manual review by FAA air traffic control.

Further Coordination Process

Submit your request through an approved LAANC app (there's typically a "Further Coordination" option)
Your request is reviewed by FAA traffic management
Processing time: days to weeks — there is no guaranteed timeline
Approval is not guaranteed — ATC may deny or modify your request

When to Use Further Coordination

You need to fly higher than the UASFM grid allows
The grid value for your location is 0 ft
You have a time-sensitive but non-emergency operation requiring higher altitude

Planning for Further Coordination: If you know you'll need authorization above the UASFM ceiling, submit your Further Coordination request weeks in advance. Do not plan time-sensitive commercial operations that depend on above-ceiling authorization without significant buffer time. Source: FAA LAANC Further Coordination guidance

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LAANC Authorization Limitations {#limitations}

LAANC authorization does NOT provide:

| What LAANC Doesn't Cover | Details |

|---|---|

| Authorization to exceed 400 ft AGL | Part 107 altitude limit still applies |

| Authorization in prohibited/restricted airspace | Cannot be authorized via LAANC |

| Authorization during TFRs | Temporary Flight Restrictions override LAANC |

| Authorization to violate other Part 107 rules | LAANC only authorizes the airspace; all other rules still apply |

| Authorization near specific no-fly zones | Airports under P-NOTAM, stadium TFRs, etc. — LAANC will deny or may not apply |

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Tips for Efficient LAANC Use {#tips}

Pro tips from commercial drone operators:

Check LAANC requirements BEFORE booking client jobs — if the site is in a 0 ft grid area, you need to plan for Further Coordination well in advance

Check at least 24 hours before your flight — if the area requires Further Coordination, you need lead time

Record your authorization number every time — even for flights where LAANC was "obviously" going to be approved. Your flight log should show every authorization

Check for TFRs separately — LAANC does not always account for newly issued TFRs. Check tfr.faa.gov independently

Set your flight time window accurately — LAANC authorizations expire. If you're running late, many apps allow you to extend or resubmit

Have a backup plan — if your LAANC app goes down or has connectivity issues, know which alternative app you'll use

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How MmowW Integrates LAANC Checks {#mmoww-section}

MmowW Drone SaaS — built on the Gyoseishoshi principle of comprehensive compliance — integrates LAANC awareness into your pre-flight workflow:

Pre-flight airspace check:

Automatic UASFM lookup for your planned flight location
LAANC authorization requirement indicator: "Authorization required / not required"
Direct link to your preferred LAANC app for authorization

Flight log integration:

Record LAANC authorization ID with each flight
Timestamp of authorization and expiry
Location and altitude cross-referenced with authorization

Fleet management:

Track LAANC authorizations across multiple pilots
Export authorization history for audit/client documentation

$5.69 per aircraft / month · 14-day free trial · No credit card required

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FAQ {#faq}

Do I need LAANC for every flight, or only in certain areas?

LAANC is only required when flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E surface). If your flight is entirely in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, no LAANC authorization is needed — though Part 107 operational rules still apply. Always check your app before flying to confirm which airspace class your planned flight falls in. Source: 14 CFR § 107.41

Can I use the same LAANC authorization for a flight the next day?

No. LAANC authorizations are time-specific. Each flight in controlled airspace requires a new authorization for the specific time window. Most apps make re-authorization quick — often just confirming the same location, altitude, and a new time window. Source: FAA LAANC overview

I'm flying in the middle of a rural area far from any airport. Do I need LAANC?

If your flight location is in Class G airspace — which much of rural, non-mountainous US is — no LAANC authorization is required. Check your LAANC app to confirm the airspace class at your specific location. Rural areas near small general aviation airports may still be in Class E (surface) airspace that requires authorization. Source: FAA Airspace Classification

What if my phone has no signal at the flight site — how do I get LAANC?

LAANC requires internet connectivity to submit and receive authorization. Options for no-signal sites: (1) obtain LAANC authorization before leaving an area with signal, while ensuring the authorization time window covers your planned flight; (2) use a satellite-connected device; (3) pre-plan your flight and obtain authorization in advance via Further Coordination if needed. Source: FAA LAANC overview

Does LAANC cost anything?

No. LAANC authorization through FAA-approved apps is free. Some apps that provide LAANC services also have premium subscription tiers for additional features, but basic LAANC authorization is available at no charge. Source: FAA LAANC overview

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Summary {#summary}

LAANC authorization for drone operations:

When required: Any flight in Class B, C, D, or E (surface) airspace
How to get it: Use an FAA-approved LAANC app (Aloft, AirMap, others)
Time to receive: Near-instant if below UASFM grid ceiling
If above ceiling: Further Coordination required — plan days/weeks ahead
LAANC doesn't cover: TFRs, prohibited airspace, violations of other Part 107 rules
Record keeping: Always record your LAANC authorization ID in your flight log

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Disclaimer

This information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For official FAA regulations, please consult faa.gov/uas. MmowW acts as a compliance assistance platform — operators remain fully responsible for their compliance with applicable regulations.

References

FAA Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107
FAA LAANC information: https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/data_exchange
FAA UASFM: https://udds-faa.opendata.arcgis.com/
B4UFLY/Aloft: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/
FAA TFR: https://tfr.faa.gov/

📝 Update History

2026-04-14 — Initial publication

LAANC Authorization: How to Fly Your Drone in Controlled Airspace

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

What Is LAANC and Why Do You Need It? {#what-is-laanc}

The Problem LAANC Solves

When Is LAANC Required? {#when-required}

Both Part 107 and § 44809 Operators Need LAANC

The UAS Facility Map (UASFM): Understanding the Grids {#uasfm}

How the Grid Works

Viewing the UASFM

How to Get LAANC Authorization: Step-by-Step {#how-to-laanc}

What Happens During Authorization

Your LAANC Authorization

LAANC-Approved Apps {#approved-apps}

What Happens When LAANC Doesn't Work (Further Coordination) {#further-coordination}

Further Coordination Process

When to Use Further Coordination

LAANC Authorization Limitations {#limitations}

Tips for Efficient LAANC Use {#tips}

How MmowW Integrates LAANC Checks {#mmoww-section}

FAQ {#faq}

Summary {#summary}

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