How to apply for LAANC Authorization

How to apply for LAANC Authorization

OpenSky
  1. Download OpenSky Drone Flyer App. The app is available on both the Apple and Android App stores
  2. Open the app and search for the address or location in which you intend to fly the drone.
  3. Authorization Required
    1. If the icon in the center of the screen is a green checkmark and the app says "Checklist passed" then you would be flying in unrestricted airspace and are not required to acquire any kind of approval to fly in this location
    2. If the icon in the center of the screen is a red 'X' and the app says "No fly" then this airspace is not eligible for LAANC authorization and will require a more extensive approval process. Authorization in these areas can be acquired via an airspace authorization waiver via https://faadronezone.faa.gov/
    3. If the icon in the center of the screen is a yellow exclamation then one of two messages will appear. The message will either state "Approval required", in which case you are required to request approval for flights through the LAANC process and can continue to the next steps, or "Use caution" which means that you are not required to gain FAA approval to fly there but there may still be some restrictions and you should fly with caution. Stadium flight restrictions for example, prevent you from flying within their airspace an hour before or after any scheduled events. These airspaces vary location to location and you will need to do your own research about what potential restrictions there might be.
  4. Select the "Get approval" button to start the LAANC authorization process (If you are not signed in the app will ask you to sign in or create an account at this stage)
  5. Select the mission radius for your proposed flight by expanding or shrinking the circle surrounding your desired mission location. Minimum radius is 25ft, maximum is 3275ft. Select "Continue"
  6. Select the time and duration of your proposed flight.
    1. LAANC authorizations can approved in as quickly as a few minutes after submission but it is good practice to submit your requests a day or two in advance to account for any unforeseen restrictions. You can submit your applications up to 90 days in advance
  7. Set the max altitude you will need to fly at. Select "Continue"
  8. Enter the details for your Cleaning Drone Aircraft
    1. For Aircraft make select "Other"
    2. For Aircraft model select "Rotorcraft
    3. Enter the serial number on top of your cleaning drone, it will start with "C1"
    4. Enter "United States" for country
    5. Enter the FAA registration number also located on top of your drone. It will start with "FA"
  9. Enter your pilot details and hit submit
Aloft
  1. Download the Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk) app from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
  2. Sign in or register for an account (it's free).
  3. Once logged in and viewing the flight map, look at the menu along the bottom of the screen and select the "add" option with a plus sign. 
  4. Select "Request LAANC Authorization".
  5. Either drag and tap the screen to move the location marker to your desired location or select the magnifying glass in the bottom right of the screen and search for the desired address you wish to fly in.
  6.  Once you have selected your location swipe up the menu on the bottom of the screen and select "Get Authorization".
  7.  Select "Part 107 Commercial" as the type of LAANC to request.
  8. Select the maximum altitude of your operation from the menu along the bottom and adjust your desired flight area by adjusting the green square that appears on the map, then hit next.
  9. Enter your flight date and expected duration (it's better to overestimate time needed than to underestimate) then hit next.
  10. Review your proposed flight plan then hit next.
  11. Review your pilot information then hit agree and submit. You should receive an email in a fairly short amount of time either confirming or denying your flight clearance.


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