Flying a drone in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D and E)

Yes, you can fly a drone in controlled airspace, but only with FAA authorization first. That rule covers Class B, C and D airspace and the surface area of Class E airspace around an airport, for both recreational and Part 107 pilots. Most pilots get authorization in seconds through LAANC in an app like Aloft. In uncontrolled Class G airspace you need no authorization and can fly up to 400 ft above the ground.

Controlled vs uncontrolled airspace

Controlled airspace is where air traffic controllers direct and separate traffic, mostly around airports and at higher altitudes. Uncontrolled (Class G) airspace is where they don't. There's no "unregulated" airspace: FAA rules apply everywhere.

Class	Where it is	Drone authorization
B	Around the busiest airports, like those in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Atlanta. Layered like an upside-down wedding cake.	Required
C	Around mid-size airports with a control tower and radar approach.	Required
D	Around smaller airports with a control tower.	Required
E (surface)	Some airports without a tower, where Class E starts at the ground.	Required
E (above the surface)	Usually starts at 700 or 1,200 ft above ground, so it's above where drones fly.	Not needed below its floor
G	Everything else near the ground, much of rural America.	Not needed

Recreational and Part 107 rules use the same trigger: Class B, C, D, or the lateral boundaries of surface Class E designated for an airport.

How to get authorization

1. LAANC. Open an FAA-approved app, pick your location, time and altitude, and request up to the altitude shown on the UAS Facility Map grid. Approval is usually near real time. Requests can be made up to 90 days ahead. See LAANC explained.
2. Further coordination. Part 107 pilots can ask LAANC for altitudes above the grid, up to 400 ft, at least 72 hours ahead. An air traffic manager reviews it.
3. FAADroneZone. For airports not on LAANC, or complex requests. These are reviewed by hand, and the FAA says processing has historically taken up to eight weeks.

Some grid squares show 0 ft. That means no automatic approval there, often right next to a runway.

Restricted and special use airspace

Separate from the classes above:

• Prohibited and restricted areas (marked on charts) need permission from the controlling agency. Some, like the area around Washington, DC, are effectively closed to drones.
• Military operations areas don't ban drones, but military jets may fly low there.
• Temporary flight restrictions appear for wildfires, VIP visits, stadium games and disasters.
• National security sensitive facilities are closed to drones from the ground to 400 ft.

See drone no-fly zones and flying over government property.

Uncontrolled airspace (Class G)

In Class G you can fly without authorization:

• Recreational pilots: at or below 400 ft above ground.
• Part 107 pilots: at or below 400 ft, or higher within 400 ft of a structure.

You still need to give way to manned aircraft, keep the drone in sight, and check for TFRs. See how high can a drone fly.

DJI geofencing

DJI drones may show a locked zone near airports and sensitive sites. An FAA authorization doesn't unlock it automatically. If you have authorization, request an unlock through DJI's FlySafe system, or the drone may refuse to take off.

Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. See the FAA's airspace authorization page.

Studying for the exam? Read how to read sectional charts.

Related guides

• Best drone apps for DJI pilots (flying, airspace, editing)
• California drone privacy law: flying over private property
• Drone insurance for flying in Europe (what US pilots need)
• Florida drone law: flying over private property (Statute 934.50)
• Flying a drone in Europe as a US tourist: EU rules and operator registration
• Flying a drone near wildlife and eagle nests: what's legal?

All drone laws →