The FAA has processed more than 50,000 applications under the LAANC (low-altitude authorization and notification capability) from drone operators to fly in controlled airspace since November 2017—far exceeding the agency’s expectations for program participation. LAANC covers 300 ATC facilities serving 500 airports and it allows UAS operators with near-instant approval, a major flight-planning convenience.

The system uses airspace data from TFRs, Notams, and UAS facility maps to show maximum allowable altitudes where the FAA authorizes operations under the Part 107 waiver rule for small UAS commercial and public operations. To date, the FAA has approved 14 LAANC service providers and UAS operators can also file for airspace authorizations using the FAA DroneZone, including for areas not covered by LAANC or when the operator holds a Part 107 waiver.

The 14 authorized service providers are Aeronyde, Airbus, AirMap, AiRXOS, Altitude Angel, Convergence, DJI, Harris Corp., Kittyhawk, Project Wing, Skyward, Thales, UASidekick, and Unifly.