Developers can now integrate AirMap‘s low-altitude authorization and notification capability (LAANC) directly into their unmanned aerial systems (UAS) apps, providing Part 107 commercial drone operators with a seamless, automated way to request and receive waivers for flights in controlled airspace.
The capability, which uses app-to-app deep-linking to transfer flight plans to AirMap’s app for submission, is available on AirMap’s developer platform. App providers 3DR, Betterview, Converge, and DroneDeploy have integrated it into their products, while DroneBase is set to join the list next month.
LAANC, part of the FAA’s UAS Data Exchange initiative, is an industry-driven effort to bring near-real-time waiver-processing and notifications to UAS operators
FAA UAS Data Exchange
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.
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC)
LAANC is an industry developed application with the goal of providing drone operators near real time processing of airspace notifications and automatic approval of requests that are below approved altitudes in controlled airspace.
LAANC meets the regulatory requirements of the 2016 Small UAS (PDF) rule and the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (PDF).
How does LAANC work?
The UAS Data Exchange facilitates LAANC by providing airspace data to industry so that they can create the tools needed to benefit the drone community.
LAANC is the industry developed application through which you may apply for an airspace authorization or notify the Air Traffic Control Tower of your intended flight plans.
Airspace data is provided through the UAS facility maps (UASFMs)*. The maps show the maximum altitude around airports where the FAA may authorize operations under the small UAS rule. Industry will provide these operators the ability to interact with the maps and provide automatic notification and authorization requests to the FAA.
A prototype evaluation with FAA approved UAS Service Providers will take place in Fall 2017—Spring 2018. The evaluation involves 10 Air Traffic facilities and nearly 50 airports.
A National Beta test will launch in 2018. The beta will continue to evolve and expand the number of ATC facilities and UAS Service Suppliers.
There will be two ways to apply for an airspace authorization. Neither process requires the operator to contact an Air Traffic Control Tower:
- using the current process; or
- applying through a FAA approved UAS Service Supplier.
Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers
The following companies have completed the technical steps required and have entered into agreement with the FAA to provide LAANC Services:
AirMap
Project Wing
Skyward
This list will be updated as additional prototype evaluation partners are approved.
Sources: AIN Online; FAA