Section 9. Low Altitude Authorization Notification Capability

1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. LAANC is the term for the software used to automate small Unmanned Aircraft System(s) (sUAS) operator requests for access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet AGL. LAANC handles authorization requests under 14 CFR § 107.41 (part 107) and 49 U.S.C. § 44809 (section 44809). LAANC's major elements include FAA data sources (e.g., Unmanned Aircraft System Facility Maps (UASFM), airspace restrictions, and airspace boundaries) for use in determining authorizations, and the ability for FAA‐approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers (USSs) to process authorization information and interface with sUAS pilots.
2. LAANC functions at the operational planning stage, identifying intended sUAS operations and managing the associated authorizations. Part 107 and section 44809 authorization requests within the UASFM can be approved automatically, in near real time. Part 107 authorization requests that fall above the UASFM and below 400 feet AGL require approval by the Air Traffic Manager (ATM). Part 107 operators may submit a request for access to airspace up to 90 days in advance. Section 44809, sUAS limited recreational operators' request for access above the UASFM will not be processed in LAANC.

1. UAS FACILITY MAPS (UASFM)

UASFMs have been developed by FAA facilities to establish the altitude at and below which sUAS may be granted automatic authorization. USSs will use current FAA approved UASFMs in conjunction with other required data sources and will operate within agreed LAANC USS operating rules.

1. SMALL UAS (sUAS) ATC AUTHORIZATIONS

Both part 107 and section 44809 require all sUAS operators to obtain airspace authorization from Air Traffic to fly in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport. A request for authorization will contain data from an sUAS operator to a USS providing flight information about the area of the proposed operation. If the area of operation falls within a UASFM, LAANC will provide an automatic authorization and deliver this authorization to the ATM. The facility retains the ability to rescind any specific authorization(s) as needed, whether after automatic approval or approval through the further coordination process (see 12-9-4).

1. FURTHER COORDINATION

1. “Further coordination” is the term used when an authorization processed via LAANC cannot be automatically approved. An example would be if a part 107 authorization request is sent by an operator to a USS, and the planned operation is above a UASFM altitude. Further coordination is available only to part 107 operators. A safety justification may be submitted by the operator in conjunction with the airspace authorization request for consideration.

1. Further coordination requests in LAANC are not automatic and require the approval of the ATM. If a response is not provided, further coordination requests will expire 3 hours prior to the proposed operator's start time.
2. Facilities are not authorized to engage directly with operators to process further coordination requests.

1. FACILITY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The ATM must:

1. Request access to LAANC by providing an email address and that of any authorized facility personnel to 9-AJT-LAANCPOC@faa.gov.
2. Use a web browser to access LAANC via https://laanc‐atc.faa.gov.
3. Review the Facility Preferences page to ensure the Approval Facilities information is correct.
4. Ensure further coordination requests are reviewed for approval consideration. The only actions available for requests awaiting further coordination are to “APPROVE” or “DENY” the operation.  When denying, the facility may choose to issue a reason for the denial from a prepopulated list to provide the proponent information for modifying the request. If denied, regardless of whether a reason is given, it is the responsibility of the proponent to submit a new request for approval consideration.

1. When receiving a part 107 authorization or approving a part 107 authorization above a UASFM altitude, the ATM or authorized facility personnel must use their best judgment to determine if the information needs to be disseminated to the controller. If it is determined that the controller should know, then it will be distributed to the appropriate position(s).

1. Any previously issued authorization(s) may be rescinded via LAANC. The operator must acknowledge the action before the previously issued authorization is canceled. If no acknowledgement is received and/or timeliness is a factor, the operator may be contacted via telephone.