LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the FAA system that lets drone pilots get permission to fly in controlled airspace near airports, usually within seconds. It's available at 726 airports and works through FAA-approved apps such as Aloft. Both recreational and Part 107 pilots use it, as long as you stay at or below the altitude the FAA's grid map allows for that spot.
When you need it
You need authorization before flying in controlled airspace:
- Class B, around major hub airports
- Class C and D, around smaller airports with control towers
- Class E surface areas designated for an airport
In uncontrolled Class G airspace, you don't need authorization. Recreational pilots stay at or below 400 ft there; Part 107 pilots can go to 400 ft, or within 400 ft of a structure.
Not sure which class you're in? Open B4UFLY or a LAANC app at your launch point. It tells you.
How the grid works
The FAA publishes UAS Facility Maps that divide controlled airspace into grid squares. Each square has a maximum altitude for automatic approval: 0 ft right beside runways, then 50, 100, 200, 300 or 400 ft farther out. LAANC approves requests at or below that number.
| Grid shows | What it means |
|---|---|
| 0 ft | No automatic approval. Part 107 pilots can apply through DroneZone. |
| 50 to 300 ft | Automatic approval up to that height |
| 400 ft | Automatic approval to the normal limit |
How to request LAANC
- Open an approved app. The FAA lists approved suppliers including Aloft, Airspace Link, AutoPylot, FlightReady, Flyfreely and Wing.
- Choose your operation type: recreational or Part 107. Part 107 requests need your certificate details.
- Set the location. Drop a pin or draw the area at your launch point.
- Set altitude, start time and duration. Stay at or below the grid altitude.
- Submit. Approved requests come back in near real time.
- Keep the approval on your phone and fly only within its area, altitude and time.
LAANC gives you airspace authorization only. You still need to check NOTAMs, TFRs, weather and the land rules where you launch.
Recreational vs Part 107
| Recreational | Part 107 | |
|---|---|---|
| Near-real-time requests | Yes | Yes |
| Above the grid altitude (up to 400 ft) | No | "Further coordination" request, up to 90 days ahead, manual FAA review |
| Prerequisites | TRUST certificate, registration if 250 g+ | Remote Pilot Certificate, registered drone |
If LAANC isn't available
- The airport isn't one of the 726: use the FAA's manual process in FAADroneZone.
- The grid shows 0 ft or too low: Part 107 pilots can file a further coordination request in LAANC, or apply in DroneZone. Recreational pilots need to move to a spot with a higher grid or uncontrolled airspace.
- Denied: facilities sometimes add guidance so you can adjust and resubmit.
Manual DroneZone authorizations take much longer than LAANC, so plan well ahead.
Your DJI drone and airport zones
DJI's GEO system shows airports in DJI Fly. Since January 2025, most US zones show a warning rather than a hard lock, though DJI still enforces some regulatory restricted zones. A DJI unlock or acknowledgment is not FAA authorization. You still need LAANC in controlled airspace. See can you fly a drone near an airport.
Common mistakes
- Requesting from home, then launching elsewhere. The approval covers the area you requested.
- Going over the approved altitude. Set DJI Fly's max altitude to match.
- Forgetting TFRs. LAANC doesn't override a temporary flight restriction.
- Assuming sub-250 g drones are exempt. Controlled airspace rules apply to every drone.
Quick answers
Is LAANC free? The FAA doesn't charge for authorizations. Check your app's own pricing.
How long does LAANC approval take? Usually seconds for requests at or below the grid altitude.
Can I get LAANC at night? Part 107 pilots with current training can request night authorizations through LAANC. See can you fly a drone at night.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. The FAA's LAANC page lists the current service suppliers.
More on where you can and can't fly: drone no-fly zones. Heading out with a new drone? Read how to fly a drone.
Related guides
- DJI Fly privacy settings: information authorization and Local Data Mode
- Flying a drone near wildlife and eagle nests: what's legal?
- Wedding drone videography: how to get started
- Can you fly a drone at the beach?
- Can you fly a drone higher than 400 feet?
- Can you fly a drone over people? FAA rules explained
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
