No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft or drone 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 unless that person has prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC). Drone pilots planning to fly in controlled airspace must get permission from the FAA. You can submit requests for authorization to fly in controlled airspace near airports via these two systems:

1. Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC)
2. FAADroneZone

No. You must request an airspace authorization through LAANC or DroneZone to operate in controlled airspace. Airports are not allowed to provide this authorization.

Is there a way to request permission electronically? Can I contact my local air traffic control tower or facility directly to request airspace permission?

All airspace authorization must be made through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) or FAADroneZone.

Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.

You can fly every mission as a civil operator under Part 107.  You can only fly some missions under your COA as a public aircraft. For daylight missions at a LAANC capable airport, Part 107 may be a better option for you. It's important to understand that if flying under Part 107, you must fully comply with Part 107 (which means a waiver to 107.29 to fly at night, for example). If flying under your COA, you must fully comply with your COA. You can't pick and choose parts of each that suit you. They are mutually exclusive legal frameworks.  The crew MUST clearly understand which rules they are flying under before they take off.

Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.