The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced two important expansions of the Low Altitude Authorization and Capability (LAANC), which automates the application and approval process for drone pilots to obtain airspace authorizations in controlled airspace.
The capability is now active at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Dulles International Airport, William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, and Newark Liberty International Airport. A full list of airports covered by LAANC is available on their website.
Seven additional companies have been approved by the FAA to provide LAANC services.
LAANC directly supports the safe integration of UAS into the nation’s airspace, expedites the time it takes for drone pilots to receive authorizations to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace. LAANC also provides pilots with an awareness of where they can and cannot fly.
The program is accessible to all pilots who operate under the FAA’s small drone rule (Part 107) and was expanded in July to provide near real-time airspace authorizations to recreational flyers.
LAANC provides airspace authorizations only. Pilots must still check NOTAMs and weather conditions before they fly.
