How to Get LAANC Authorization for Quadcopter Flights: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Flying your quadcopter can be one of the most exciting hobbies out there. But if you want to fly near airports or in controlled airspace, you need something called LAANC authorization. This system helps keep everyone safe in the sky – both pilots and drone operators. Getting this approval might seem scary at first, but it’s actually pretty simple once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about LAANC, from what it is to how to get approved fast.

Table of Contents

What Is LAANC and Why Do You Need It?

LAANC stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. Think of it as a digital way to ask permission to fly your quadcopter in certain areas. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) created this system to make drone flying safer and easier.

Before LAANC came along, getting permission to fly near airports took weeks or even months. Now, you can get approval in just minutes! The system works 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which means you can plan your flights anytime.

Who Needs LAANC Authorization?

You need LAANC if you want to fly your quadcopter in:

Controlled airspace around airports
Areas with altitude restrictions
Certain busy flight zones

Even if you’re flying for fun (recreational flying), you still need to follow these rules. Commercial pilots who have their Part 107 certificate also use LAANC for their business flights.

Benefits of Using LAANC

The LAANC system offers several advantages:

Quick approvals – often in minutes instead of weeks
Available around the clock
Easy-to-use mobile apps
Real-time airspace information
Automatic coordination with air traffic control

Understanding Airspace Types and Restrictions

Before you apply for LAANC, you need to understand different types of airspace. This knowledge will help you know where you can fly and what restrictions apply.

Class B, C, and D Airspace

These are the main types of controlled airspace where you’ll need LAANC:

Class B Airspace surrounds the busiest airports. It looks like an upside-down wedding cake with different altitude limits at different distances from the airport.

Class C Airspace is around medium-busy airports. It usually extends from the ground up to 4,000 feet above the airport.

Class D Airspace surrounds smaller airports with control towers. It typically goes from ground level up to 2,500 feet.

LAANC Grid System

The FAA uses a grid system to show where you can fly and how high. Each grid square has a number that shows the maximum altitude allowed. Some squares might say “0” which means no drone flights are allowed there.

“Understanding airspace is like learning the rules of the road – once you know them, flying becomes much safer and more enjoyable.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting LAANC Authorization

Getting your LAANC approval is easier than you might think. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Step 1: Download an Approved App

First, you need to get one of the FAA-approved LAANC apps. Some popular choices include:

AirMap
Aloft
DJI FlySafe
KittyHawk (now part of 3DR)

All these apps are free to download and use for basic LAANC requests.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Open your chosen app and create an account. You’ll need to provide:

Your name and contact information
Your drone registration number
Pilot certificate number (if you have Part 107)

Make sure all your information is correct because the FAA will check it.

Step 3: Plan Your Flight

Use the app’s map to find where you want to fly. The map will show:

Different airspace zones
Altitude limits for each area
Any restricted areas to avoid

Tap on your planned flight location to see what altitude is allowed there.

Step 4: Submit Your Request

Fill out the flight request form with:

Flight date and time
Duration of flight
Maximum altitude you plan to reach
Purpose of flight (recreational or commercial)

Double-check all information before submitting.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Most LAANC requests get approved automatically within minutes. However, some requests might need manual review, which can take longer.

You’ll get a notification when your request is approved or denied.

LAANC Authorization Requirements Table

Requirement	Recreational Pilots	Part 107 Pilots	Details
Drone Registration	Required	Required	Must register with FAA if drone weighs 0.55-55 lbs
Valid Pilot Certificate	TRUST Certificate	Part 107 Certificate	Recreational pilots need free TRUST certificate
App Account	Required	Required	Must use FAA-approved LAANC provider
Flight Planning	Required	Required	Must plan flight within approved altitudes
Real-time Authorization	Available	Available	Most approvals granted within minutes
Maximum Flight Time	Varies by area	Varies by area	Usually 4 hours, but can vary
Advanced Notice	Not always required	Not always required	Some areas may require advance planning

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from other people’s mistakes can save you time and frustration:

Wrong Altitude Requests

Many pilots ask for higher altitudes than they need. Always request the lowest altitude that works for your flight. This increases your chances of approval.

Incomplete Registration Information

Make sure your drone is properly registered and you have the registration number handy. Unregistered drones cannot get LAANC approval.

Flying Without Checking NOTAMs

NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) are temporary flight restrictions. Even with LAANC approval, you must check for active NOTAMs in your area.

Not Understanding Grid Limits

Each grid square has specific altitude limits. Don’t assume you can fly at any altitude just because you got LAANC approval.

Tips for Faster LAANC Approval

Want to get your authorization quickly? Follow these expert tips:

Submit Requests During Off-Peak Hours

Early morning and late evening requests often process faster because there’s less air traffic.

Be Specific About Your Flight Purpose

Clear, specific descriptions help automated systems process your request faster.

Keep Your Pilot Information Updated

Make sure your certificates and contact information are current in the app.

Request Appropriate Altitudes

Don’t ask for 400 feet if you only need 100 feet. **Lower altitude requests get approved more easily__.

Troubleshooting LAANC Issues

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to handle common problems:

Request Gets Denied

If your request is denied, check:

Whether you’re in a restricted area
If you requested too high of an altitude
Whether your pilot information is correct

You can usually resubmit with corrected information.

App Won’t Work

Try these solutions:

Check your internet connection
Update the app to the latest version
Restart your phone
Try a different LAANC app

Authorization Expires

LAANC authorizations have expiration times. Make sure to:

Start your flight before the authorization expires
Request a new authorization if needed
Allow extra time for approval

Special Considerations for Different Flight Types

Different types of quadcopter flights have different requirements:

Recreational Flying

If you’re flying for fun, you need:

TRUST certificate (free online course)
Registered drone
LAANC approval for controlled airspace

Commercial Operations

Commercial pilots need:

Part 107 certificate
Registered drone
LAANC approval for controlled airspace
Additional insurance may be required

Night Flying

Flying at night requires:

Anti-collision lighting on your drone
Additional training for Part 107 pilots
Same LAANC requirements as day flights

Future of LAANC Technology

The LAANC system keeps getting better. Soon, we might see:

Even faster approval times
More detailed airspace information
Better integration with drone apps
Automatic flight monitoring

These improvements will make quadcopter flying safer and more convenient for everyone.

FAQ Section

Q: How long does LAANC approval take? A: Most LAANC approvals happen within minutes. However, complex requests or high-traffic areas might take longer.

Q: Do I need LAANC for every flight? A: Only if you’re flying in controlled airspace. You can fly in uncontrolled airspace without LAANC, but you still need to follow all other FAA rules.

Q: Can I get LAANC approval for the same day? A: Yes! LAANC works 24/7, so you can get same-day approval. Just make sure to submit your request with enough time before your planned flight.

Q: What happens if I fly without LAANC when I need it? A: Flying without required authorization can result in fines from the FAA. It’s also dangerous because air traffic controllers won’t know you’re there.

Q: Is LAANC free to use? A: The basic LAANC service is free through approved apps. Some apps offer premium features for a fee, but basic authorization doesn’t cost anything.

Q: Can I modify my LAANC request after it’s approved? A: No, you cannot change an approved request. If you need different parameters, you must submit a new request.

Q: Does bad weather affect LAANC approval? A: LAANC approval is separate from weather conditions. However, you should never fly in unsafe weather, even with valid authorization.

Q: How far in advance can I request LAANC authorization? A: You can typically request authorization up to 90 days in advance, though this varies by location and app.

Getting LAANC authorization doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right app, proper preparation, and understanding of airspace rules, you can get approved quickly and fly your quadcopter safely. Remember to always check for current restrictions and fly responsibly. Happy flying!