How to Get LAANC Authorization for Commercial Drone Flights

A Part 107 certificate does not authorize flight in every airspace below 400 feet. Before operating in Class B, C, D, or the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport, the pilot needs prior FAA air traffic authorization. LAANC is the fastest path for many routine requests.

Which Airspace Requires Authorization?

Airspace	Part 107 baseline
Class B	Prior FAA authorization required
Class C	Prior FAA authorization required
Class D	Prior FAA authorization required
Class E surface area designated for an airport	Prior FAA authorization required
Class G	No ATC authorization required solely because the airspace is Class G; all other rules still apply
Other Class E airspace	Usually no Part 107.41 authorization solely because it is Class E; verify the specific airspace and restrictions

What LAANC Does

The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability automates the application and approval process through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers. The provider checks the request against FAA airspace data, including UAS Facility Maps, airport and airspace information, special-use airspace, TFRs, and NOTAMs.

When a request meets the automated criteria, the pilot can receive authorization in near real time. LAANC provides airspace authorization only. It does not certify the pilot, register the aircraft, approve flight over people, waive VLOS, or grant property access.

UAS Facility Maps Are Planning Tools, Not Permission

A UAS Facility Map shows altitudes where the FAA may authorize Part 107 operations without additional safety analysis. The number in a grid is not an authorization and does not allow a pilot to launch without submitting a request.

The approved altitude is a maximum for the authorized area and time. A 200-foot grid does not require flight at 200 feet; the mission should use the lowest altitude that safely accomplishes the work.

Near-Real-Time LAANC Requests

1. Use an FAA-approved LAANC service supplier.
2. Select the exact location, date, start time, duration, and requested altitude.
3. Keep the request at or below the applicable UAS Facility Map value for automated processing.
4. Review every condition in the authorization before accepting the mission plan.
5. Carry the authorization and operate only inside the approved area, time, and altitude.
6. Check TFRs, NOTAMs, weather, and other restrictions again before launch.

Further Coordination Requests

A Part 107 pilot can use LAANC further coordination to request an altitude above the published UAS Facility Map value, including a zero-foot grid, up to 400 feet. The request receives manual FAA review and is not guaranteed approval.

The FAA currently allows LAANC requests up to 90 days in advance. Its Part 107 authorization page states that further coordination requests must be submitted at least 72 hours before the requested start time. Build additional margin into client scheduling because manual review can result in denial or a request that must be revised.

Manual Authorization Through FAADroneZone

When LAANC is not available for the location or request, Part 107 pilots can use the manual FAADroneZone authorization process. The FAA instructs applicants to submit manual requests at least 60 days before the proposed operation. A late request can be canceled or denied before the job date.

The application should define a specific operating area, requested altitude, dates, times, aircraft, purpose, communications, and risk controls. Asking for the largest possible area and highest possible altitude without operational justification can make the request harder to evaluate.

Authorization Conditions Control the Flight

Read the full authorization. Conditions may address the approved area, altitude, dates, time window, airport or tower notification, emergency procedures, contact information, and other limitations. Unless the authorization specifically requires tower notification, the FAA states that drone pilots do not need to contact the tower before flying.

Do not call a tower to obtain informal permission. Part 107.41 authorization must come through the FAA process, and a controller’s verbal acknowledgment is not a substitute for written authorization.

Airspace Authorization Does Not Override Other Restrictions

• Temporary Flight Restrictions and security-related restrictions.
• Prohibited or restricted areas and permission required from the controlling agency.
• Stadium and major-event flight restrictions.
• Rules near airports, heliports, and seaplane bases that prohibit interference with traffic patterns.
• Part 107 limits for VLOS, people, weather, clouds, speed, night operations, and safe condition.
• Property-owner permission and lawful access to the launch and recovery area.
• State or local rules that regulate land use, privacy, or takeoff and landing from government property.

Practical Example: Roof Inspection Near a Class D Airport

A roofing contractor requests a thermal inspection at 7:00 a.m. The property sits in a 100-foot UAS Facility Map grid inside Class D airspace. The pilot requests a LAANC authorization for the exact parcel, time window, and an altitude no higher than 100 feet. The pilot also confirms sunrise and lighting requirements, checks TFRs and NOTAMs on the morning of the flight, controls access to the launch area, and remains below the authorization ceiling even though Part 107 normally allows 400 feet AGL.

Common LAANC Mistakes

• Treating the UAS Facility Map grid value as automatic permission.
• Requesting 400 feet when the published grid is lower and the mission does not need the higher altitude.
• Submitting the wrong time zone, date, duration, or map polygon.
• Flying outside the approved polygon to obtain a better camera angle.
• Using another pilot’s authorization without confirming the authorization covers the operator and operation.
• Assuming LAANC approves BVLOS, flight over people, or night operations.
• Ignoring a new TFR because LAANC was approved earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can LAANC approve a zero-foot grid?

A Part 107 pilot may submit a further coordination request in a zero-foot grid. The request receives manual FAA review and can be approved, limited, or denied.

Can I request above 400 feet through LAANC?

No. LAANC further coordination supports requests above the UAS Facility Map value only up to 400 feet. An operation above the applicable Part 107 altitude limit requires a waiver and may also need separate airspace authorization.

Does LAANC cover the entire airport area?

No. The authorization covers only the location, altitude, and time approved in the request. Review the polygon and conditions before flight.

Related Guides

• FAA Part 107 Operating Limits
• FAA Part 107 Waivers and BVLOS
• FAA Part 107 Compliance Guide

Compliance notice This page provides general federal compliance information and is not legal advice. Confirm current FAA rules, airspace restrictions, waivers, authorizations, and local requirements before each operation.