FAA To Expand UAS (Drone) Airspace Authorization Program

Under the FAA's rules governing the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, commonly known as "drones") for non-recreational purposes, operations within a few miles of an airport (referred to as "controlled airspace") are prohibited absent permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC). Obtaining that permission can be slow and cumbersome, sometimes taking up to three months. Late last year, the FAA began testing an automated system for reviewing requests to operate in controlled airspace. The program, called Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC, pronounced 'Lance'), is currently in operation at 45 airports around the country. But hundreds more will be added in the next six months.