LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the FAA's system for granting drone pilots near-real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace.
The problem it solves
Before LAANC, flying in controlled airspace near an airport meant submitting a manual application and waiting — sometimes days — for a human reviewer at the FAA to respond. LAANC automates that process for pre-approved altitudes and locations, typically returning an authorization within seconds to minutes through an FAA-approved app.
How it works in practice
LAANC uses UAS Facility Maps — grids overlaid on controlled airspace near airports that specify the maximum altitude a drone can be authorized to fly at each grid cell, based on coordination with the airport and air traffic control. A pilot requests authorization for a specific location and altitude through an approved app; if the request falls within the pre-approved grid ceiling, it's granted automatically.
When a request isn't automatic
If you need to fly higher than a grid cell's authorized ceiling, LAANC can still submit a further coordination request, but approval isn't instant and isn't guaranteed. Some sensitive airspace is excluded from LAANC entirely and requires a different application process.
Why this matters even if you rarely fly near airports
Airspace boundaries extend further than many pilots expect, and a location that looks like open countryside can still fall within a Class D or E surface area tied to a nearby small airport. Checking whether you need LAANC authorization — not just assuming you don't — is a standard part of responsible pre-flight planning.
This dashboard's role
The airspace ceiling data shown on this site's dashboard reflects the same FAA UAS Facility Map data LAANC relies on, for informational reference — always confirm actual authorization through an approved LAANC provider or FAADroneZone before flying in controlled airspace.