LAANC Authorization — A Practical Guide
LAANC turns the months-long FAA airspace authorization process into a 30-second tap on your phone. Here's exactly how to use it, which provider to pick, and what to do when LAANC says no.
The 4-step LAANC workflow
- Identify your airspace. Open SkyVector or B4UFLY. If you see a Class B/C/D ring or surface Class E (dashed magenta), you need authorization.
- Check the UASFM grid ceiling. Use the FAA UAS Facility Map to find the auto-approved altitude for your specific grid square.
- Submit through a USS app. Pick a provider below. Enter your launch coordinates, requested altitude (≤ grid ceiling), and time window. Submit. Approval normally within 30 seconds.
- Carry proof in flight. Keep the authorization PDF on your phone. Per 14 CFR 107.7, you must produce it for any FAA inspector or law enforcement upon request.
FAA-approved LAANC USS providers
Any of these can grant LAANC authorization. They share the same FAA backend; differences are UI, mission-planning features, and pricing.
Aloft Air Control
FREEMost-used free LAANC USS. Web + iOS + Android. Fast UI, supports Further Coordination.
Skydio LAANC
FREEFree, works with any drone (not just Skydio). Clean mobile experience.
Avision
FREEFast LAANC tool with mission planning and weather overlays.
Airbus UTM
FREEEnterprise-grade UTM platform; free LAANC tier for individual pilots.
AirMap (now part of DroneUp)
FREEEstablished LAANC provider with strong API for fleet operators.
Skyward (Verizon)
PAID TIERPaid enterprise platform for fleet management. LAANC included.
KittyHawk (now Aloft)
PAID TIERMerged into Aloft 2022. Aloft Pro tier replaces KittyHawk Enterprise.
FAA B4UFLY
FREEOfficial FAA app. Now supports LAANC via partnership with USS providers.
When LAANC won't auto-approve
- Grid ceiling is 0: Submit a Further Coordination request through your USS app. The local ATC facility manually reviews. Allow 7-30 days.
- Active TFR or special use airspace: LAANC will reject. Wait for the TFR to expire or contact the controlling agency directly.
- Above 400 ft AGL: Outside Part 107.51 — requires a 107.51 waiver, not LAANC. Apply through FAA DroneZone (90+ days).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LAANC stand for?
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. It's the FAA's automated system for granting controlled-airspace authorization to recreational and Part 107 sUAS operators in near-real-time.
Is LAANC free?
Yes. The FAA does not charge any fee for LAANC authorizations, and most approved USS apps (Aloft, Skydio, Avision, Airbus UTM, B4UFLY) are free to use. Some premium services like KittyHawk and AirMap Enterprise offer paid tiers with additional features but the LAANC authorization itself is always free.
Can I request authorization in any class of airspace?
LAANC supports Class B, C, D, and surface-level Class E. Class G is uncontrolled and needs no authorization. Class A is off-limits to Part 107 (above 18,000 ft MSL). Special use airspace (Restricted, Prohibited, MOA) needs separate coordination.
What if my grid shows 0 or my requested altitude is denied?
Submit a Further Coordination request through DroneZone. Allow 30-90 days. Include your safety case, drone specs, mitigations (visual observers, geofencing, time-of-day restrictions), and the operational benefit. ATC reviews these case-by-case.
Is LAANC the same as a 107.41 waiver?
No. LAANC is an authorization to operate IN controlled airspace at a specific altitude. A 107.41 waiver lets you operate OUTSIDE the standard rules (above 400 ft, BVLOS, over people, etc.). Waivers take 90+ days through DroneZone.
Related Drone Tools
More drone tools: FAA Airspace Map · Remote ID Checker · Part 107 Quiz · Long-form LAANC Guide