The FAA UAS Data Exchange is an innovative, collaborative approach between government and private industry facilitating the sharing of airspace data between the two parties.
Under the FAA UAS Data Exchange umbrella, the agency will support multiple partnerships, the first of which is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).
What is LAANC?
LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between FAA and Industry. It directly supports UAS integration into the airspace.
LAANC provides:
- Drone pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet.
- Awareness of where pilots can and cannot fly.
- Air Traffic Professionals with visibility into where and when drones will operate.
Through the UAS Data Exchange, the capability facilitates the sharing of airspace data between the FAA and companies approved by the FAA to provide LAANC services. The companies are known as UAS Service Suppliers — and the desktop applications and mobile apps to utilize the LAANC capability are provided by the UAS Service Suppliers (USS).
How does it work?
LAANC automates the application and approval process for airspace authorizations. Through automated applications developed by an FAA Approved UAS Service Suppliers (USS) pilots apply for an airspace authorization.
Requests are checked against multiple airspace data sources in the FAA UAS Data Exchange such as UAS Facility Maps, Special Use Airspace data, Airports and Airspace Classes, as well as Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). If approved, pilots can receive their authorization in near-real time.
Unless specifically requested in an authorization, drone pilots do not need to notify the tower before they fly.
LAANC provides airspace authorizations only. Pilots must still check NOTAMs, weather conditions, and abide by all airspace restrictions.
How and when can drone pilots use LAANC?
Drone pilots planning to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA before they fly.
LAANC is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 or under the exception for Recreational Flyers. You can get access through one of the FAA Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers.
There are two ways to use LAANC:
- Submit a near real-time authorization request for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports (available to Part 107 Pilots and Recreational Flyers).
- Submit a "further coordination request" if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet.
- You can apply up to 90 days in advance of a flight and the approval is coordinated manually through the FAA (available to Part 107 pilots only).
To qualify under Part 107, you must register your drone and hold a Remote Pilot Certificate.
To operate as a Recreational Flyer, you must register your drone and take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before your first flight.
Note: If you are planning an operation in controlled airspace that requires a waiver AND an airspace authorization you must apply for both through the FAA's DroneZone.
Where can I fly under LAANC?
LAANC is available at 726 airports. If you want to fly in controlled airspace near airports not offering LAANC, you can use the manual process to apply for an authorization.
Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers
The following companies have completed the technical steps required — and entered into agreement with the FAA to provide LAANC Services:
| Approved Service Supplier | Part 107 Near — Real Time Authorization | Part 107 Further Coordination | Exception for Recreational Flying/Section 44809 | App on IOS | App on Android | Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirMatrix |  | | | | ||
| Airspace Link | | | | | | |
| Aloft | | | | | | |
| AstraUTM | | | | | | |
| AutoPylot | | | | | ||
| Avision | | | | | | |
| Botlink | | | | | ||
| eTT Aviation | | | | | ||
| FlightReady | | | | | ||
| UASidekick | | | | | | |
| Wing | | | | |
= publicly available service
Companies Not Offering PublicLAANC Services
Airbus,ANRA Technologies, ATA, CAL Analytics, The Longbow Group,Simulyze
This list will be updated as additional partners are approved.
Note: Reference in this site to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsem*nt, recommendation, or favoring by the Federal Aviation Administration.
