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Guide · Part 107 pilots

How to Get LAANC Authorization (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)

Filing for LAANC is the single most-Googled step in legal Part 107 flying — and it's far simpler than the FAA documentation makes it look. This is the same six-step flow every approved provider app uses, with annotated mockups of each screen and a checklist you can run before every job.

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What LAANC is (and what it isn't)

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the FAA's near-real-time authorization system for Part 107 flights in controlled airspace. It auto-approves requests that stay at or below the UAS Facility Map grid ceiling for the area you're flying in. It does NOT exempt you from any Part 107 rule (night, over people, BVLOS, above 400 ft AGL) — those still require a Part 107 waiver, filed separately.

Before you start: what you need

An active Part 107 remote pilot certificate, your drone registered with the FAA (free at faadronezone.faa.gov for sub-55 lb drones), and a free account with one LAANC-approved provider. The full list of approved providers lives at faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc — all of them are free for basic authorization filing.

After approval: what's actually in the PDF

Your LAANC authorization PDF lists the authorization ID, operating area (lat/long polygon), maximum altitude AGL, start and end times, and the airspace it covers. It's not a waiver — it's a notification + authorization for that specific time/place/altitude. The FAA and ATC have your filing on record; carry the PDF in case anyone asks for it.

When LAANC says 'Further Coordination'

If your requested altitude exceeds the UASFM grid ceiling — or if you're in a 0 ft grid — the app will offer to submit a Further Coordination request. This goes to the controlling ATC facility for manual review. Timeline: 1–14 days, often longer near busy Class B airports, and approval is not guaranteed. File at least a week in advance and build a flexible date window into any client contract.

How LAANC fits into your quote

For an auto-approved LAANC flight (400 ft grid, no complications), the filing takes 30–60 seconds and doesn't need a line item. For lower ceilings (50–150 ft) where you have to plan the shoot around altitude limits, bill for the extra planning time. For Further Coordination requests, charge a non-refundable airspace planning fee up front — you're doing real work whether ATC approves or not. Rotor Rate's calculator can roll this into the price.

How long does LAANC authorization take?

Standard LAANC requests are auto-approved in seconds — usually under a minute from tapping submit to receiving the approval PDF. The only delay is if you're filing for the future or requesting an altitude above the UASFM grid ceiling, which routes to Further Coordination and takes days to weeks.

Does LAANC cost anything?

No. LAANC authorization itself is free. The FAA-approved provider apps (Aloft, AutoPylot, Airmap, Skyward, UASidekick) are also free for the basic LAANC filing flow. Some providers charge for premium planning features, but the core authorization is no-cost.

What do I need before I file a LAANC request?

An active Part 107 remote pilot certificate (or recreational TRUST certificate for hobby flights), your drone registered with the FAA (drones over 0.55 lb), a free account with one LAANC-approved provider, and your flight details: date, time window, max altitude, and the operating area drawn on the map.

What happens if LAANC denies my request?

LAANC doesn't 'deny' — it either auto-approves or routes to Further Coordination if you exceed the UASFM grid ceiling. Further Coordination sends the request to the controlling ATC facility for manual review (1–14 days, not guaranteed). If you need to fly outside controlled airspace rules entirely, that requires a Part 107 waiver, filed separately through FAA DroneZone.

Can I file LAANC the day of the flight?

Yes — LAANC is designed for near-real-time filing. You can submit a request as little as a few minutes before takeoff and receive auto-approval almost instantly, as long as you're at or below the UASFM grid ceiling. For Further Coordination requests, you must file at least 24 hours in advance (most ATC facilities require longer).

Do I need LAANC for every flight in controlled airspace?

Yes — every Part 107 flight inside Class B, C, D, or surface E airspace requires its own LAANC authorization. The authorization is tied to a specific time window, altitude, and operating area. If you fly the same site weekly, you file a new LAANC each time.

The six-step LAANC walkthrough

Annotated screens of what each step looks like in a typical LAANC provider app (modeled on Aloft + B4UFLY — the flow is nearly identical across providers).

  1. 1

    Confirm you actually need LAANC

    Open B4UFLY or any LAANC provider app at your job site address. If you see colored UASFM grid squares, you're in controlled airspace and LAANC is required. No grid = Class G uncontrolled, no LAANC needed (but standard Part 107 rules still apply).

    B4UFLY · Pre-flight check
    1234 Market St · Class D
    UASFM grids visible · 200 / 100 ft
    No active TFRs
    LAANC required
    Illustrative mockup — not affiliated with any provider.
  2. 2

    Open your LAANC provider app

    Pick one FAA-approved provider and stick with it. Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk) and AutoPylot are the most popular; Airmap, Skyward, and UASidekick also work. Create a free account once, add your Part 107 certificate number, and you're set for every future flight.

    Aloft · Authorizations
    + New flight
    Active: 0
    Pilot: PT-1234567 (Part 107)
    Illustrative mockup — not affiliated with any provider.
  3. 3

    Draw your operating area

    Tap '+ New flight' and draw a polygon or circle around your actual flight area on the map. Be honest — don't draw a tiny dot at the building center if you'll be 300 ft away inspecting a chimney. The UASFM grid overlay appears as you draw; note the lowest ceiling your area touches.

    Aloft · Draw area
    Polygon · 0.04 sq mi
    Lowest grid ceiling: 100 ft
    Grid touched: 100 / 200 ft
    Illustrative mockup — not affiliated with any provider.
  4. 4

    Set altitude, date, and time window

    Enter your max altitude (at or below the lowest UASFM grid in your area for auto-approval), start date/time, and duration. LAANC windows can be up to 12 hours. Pad both ends — if the shoot is 2–3 PM, file 1:30–4:00 PM so weather delays don't blow your authorization.

    Aloft · Flight details
    Altitude: 100 ft AGL
    Start: Tue 1:30 PM
    Duration: 2 h 30 m
    Illustrative mockup — not affiliated with any provider.
  5. 5

    Review the safety justification

    Most provider apps auto-fill a brief flight description (real estate, inspection, mapping, etc.). Confirm pilot info, aircraft (must be FAA-registered if over 0.55 lb), and that you have a visual observer if needed. This is the only spot most people skim — read it once.

    Aloft · Review
    Purpose: Real estate photography
    Aircraft: DJI Mavic 3 (FA3X9...)
    Observer: Not required
    Illustrative mockup — not affiliated with any provider.
  6. 6

    Submit and save the PDF

    Tap Submit. Auto-approval comes back in seconds with an authorization ID and a PDF. Save the PDF to your phone — if a controller, police officer, or property manager asks, you have proof on the spot. Most pilots also email it to the client as part of the deliverables packet.

    Aloft · Authorization
    ID: 2026-LAANC-78451
    Approved · 100 ft · 2.5 h
    PDF saved to device
    Approved
    Illustrative mockup — not affiliated with any provider.

Pre-flight LAANC checklist

Run this once before every paid flight in controlled airspace. If a line fails, fix it before you take off.

  • Part 107 certificate (or TRUST cert for recreational) — current and on your phone
  • Drone registered with the FAA — number visible on the airframe
  • LAANC provider app installed and logged in
  • Job-site address checked in B4UFLY for UASFM grid + TFRs
  • Lowest grid ceiling in your operating area noted
  • Visual observer arranged if line-of-sight is questionable
  • Authorization filed at or below the grid ceiling
  • Time window padded ±30 min on each side for weather delays
  • Authorization PDF saved to phone before takeoff
  • Client / property manager notified of approved time window

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