The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently granted its one-millionth airspace authorization that allows drone pilots to safely operate in busy airspace, the FAA said in a release.
Since 2018, the FAA has required drone operators to obtain authorization before operating in restricted airspace through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).
The LAANC, which automates the authorization process for drone pilots to fly below 400 feet in controlled airspace, also alerts air traffic controllers to drone activity.
“This system has allowed drone pilots to gain timely access to busy airspace without sacrificing safety,” Teri L. Bristol, the chief operating officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization stated in the press release, “We are grateful to everyone who helped us reach this milestone safely.”
Additionally, pilots can obtain real-time authorization from the LAAC to determine if they are legally permitted to fly in a specific airspace.
Because the system is now automated, drone pilots are able to obtain authorization quicker, while airports can be certain that their airspace is free of unregistered drones.
Drone pilots may seek airspace authorizations up to 90 days before to flying from any FAA-Approved LAANC Service Suppliers.
Currently, the system covers 542 air traffic control centers that serve roughly 735 airports.
