FAA UAS Airspace Map
Before every Part 107 flight in controlled airspace, you need to know two things: which class of airspace are you in, and what altitude is pre-approved for your specific grid cell. The FAA UAS Facility Map (UASFM) gives you both.
How to read a UASFM grid
- 0 ft — No auto-approval. Request manual authorization via DroneZone (90+ days) or pick a different launch site.
- 50–300 ft — LAANC will auto-approve up to this altitude. Stay at or below.
- 400 ft — Full Part 107 ceiling pre-approved. Same as Class G (uncontrolled) for practical purposes.
Remember: The grid is the ceiling, not your operating altitude. You still must comply with Part 107.51 (400 ft AGL max), 107.31 (visual line of sight), and 107.41 (ATC authorization).
Get authorization (LAANC providers)
Once you know your grid's ceiling, request the actual authorization through any of these free FAA-approved USS apps:
FAA UAS Facility Maps (Official)
The official UASFM ArcGIS viewer. Search by airport or zoom to your launch site.
FAA B4UFLY Mobile App (iOS/Android)
Free FAA mobile app for pre-flight airspace checks. Aldicates LAANC links.
Aloft Air Control (LAANC USS)
Free LAANC USS — request near-real-time controlled airspace authorization.
Skydio LAANC (USS)
Skydio's free LAANC service. Works with any drone, not just Skydio.
DroneZone (Manual Authorizations)
Use this for Further Coordination requests when LAANC won't auto-approve.
Sectional Charts (SkyVector)
Free VFR sectional chart viewer to identify Class B/C/D/E airspace boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UAS Facility Map (UASFM)?
UAS Facility Maps are FAA-published grids that show the maximum altitude (in 100 ft increments) at which sUAS operations are pre-approved in controlled airspace. Each square mile around a towered airport has its own approved ceiling, often 0, 50, 100, 200, 300, or 400 ft AGL.
Do I need a UASFM authorization to fly under 400 ft AGL?
Yes — if you're in Class B, C, D, or surface Class E airspace. Per 14 CFR 107.41, ANY sUAS operation in controlled airspace requires prior ATC authorization, regardless of altitude. The UASFM grid simply tells you what altitude LAANC will auto-approve.
What if my UASFM grid shows 0?
A grid value of 0 means no automatic LAANC approval. You can still request a manual Further Coordination authorization through the FAA DroneZone portal, but expect a 90+ day review. Plan around it or pick a different launch site.
Is B4UFLY the same as UASFM?
No. B4UFLY is the FAA's official mobile app showing recreational and Part 107 advisories (TFRs, NOTAMs, controlled airspace). UASFM is the underlying grid data; B4UFLY surfaces it in user-friendly form. Both are free.
Related Drone Tools
More drone tools: LAANC Guide · Remote ID Checker · Part 107 Practice Quiz · Where to Fly Map