Airspace Authorization

Understanding Airspace: The Foundation of Safe Drone Flight

One of the most critical aspects of legal drone operation is understanding and respecting airspace. The United States National Airspace System (NAS) is a complex, carefully managed environment shared by commercial airlines, general aviation, military aircraft, helicopters, and now drones. Navigating this system safely requires understanding airspace classifications, authorization requirements, and the tools available to help you fly legally.

This comprehensive guide explains everything drone pilots need to know about airspace authorization—from the basics of controlled and uncontrolled airspace to practical steps for obtaining permission to fly using LAANC and traditional waiver systems.

The National Airspace System: A Shared Resource

The FAA manages US airspace to ensure safety for all users. This airspace is divided into different classes, each with specific rules, requirements, and purposes. Understanding these classifications is essential for determining where you can fly and what authorization you need.

Why Airspace Classifications Matter

Airspace around airports is tightly controlled to protect aircraft during their most vulnerable phases—takeoff and landing. As aircraft climb and descend, they pass through various altitudes where drone operations could create collision risks.

The airspace classification system creates layers of protection, with the most restrictive airspace around the busiest airports and more relaxed rules in rural areas far from aviation activity.

Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace

Controlled Airspace

Controlled airspace includes Classes A, B, C, D, and E. Within controlled airspace, air traffic control (ATC) provides services to aircraft, and specific rules govern operations.

For drone pilots, the key controlled airspace classes that extend to the surface are:

• Class B: Surrounding the busiest airports
• Class C: Around moderately busy airports
• Class D: Around smaller airports with control towers
• Class E to the Surface: Extensions of controlled airspace in certain areas

Drone operations in controlled airspace require prior authorization from the FAA or the controlling ATC facility.

Uncontrolled Airspace (Class G)

Class G airspace is uncontrolled—no ATC services are provided, and authorization is not required for drone operations (though all other FAA rules still apply).

Most of the United States at low altitudes away from airports is Class G airspace. This is where the majority of recreational and commercial drone flights occur.

Detailed Airspace Classifications

Class A Airspace

Altitude: 18,000 feet MSL and above

Relevance to Drones: Virtually none. Drones cannot operate in Class A airspace—it’s reserved for high-altitude commercial aviation operating under instrument flight rules (IFR).

Class B Airspace

Location: Surrounding the nation’s busiest airports like Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).

Structure: Shaped like an upside-down wedding cake with multiple layers extending outward from the airport. Typically extends from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL.

Drone Operations: Require authorization through LAANC or traditional DroneZone requests. Class B authorization is the most restrictive and may be denied in certain areas or altitudes.

Visual Reference: On sectional charts, Class B airspace is shown with solid blue lines.

Class C Airspace

Location: Surrounding airports with moderate traffic and a control tower, like Austin (AUS), Sacramento (SMF), or Tucson (TUS).

Structure: Typically consists of two circles—an inner shelf (usually 5 nautical miles radius from surface to 4,000 feet AGL) and an outer shelf (10 nautical miles radius from 1,200 feet AGL to 4,000 feet AGL).

Drone Operations: Authorization required via LAANC or DroneZone for operations within the lateral and vertical boundaries.

Visual Reference: Shown with solid magenta lines on sectional charts.

Class D Airspace

Location: Around airports with operating control towers but less traffic than Class C airports. Thousands of Class D airports exist nationwide.

Structure: Usually extends from the surface to 2,500 feet AGL in a circular pattern around the airport (typically 5 statute miles radius, though shapes vary).

Drone Operations: Authorization required. LAANC provides instant authorization at many Class D airports. Some may require traditional DroneZone authorization.

Visual Reference: Shown with dashed blue lines on sectional charts.

Important Note: Class D airspace typically only exists when the control tower is operating. When the tower closes (often at night or on weekends at smaller airports), Class D reverts to Class E or Class G. Check NOTAMs for tower operating hours.

Class E Airspace

Location: Controlled airspace that’s not Class A, B, C, or D. Most Class E airspace begins at 1,200 feet AGL or higher.

Surface Class E: Some locations have Class E airspace extending to the surface, typically shown on charts with dashed magenta lines. These areas require authorization for drone operations.

Drone Operations: Authorization required only for Class E that extends to the surface. Most Class E airspace starts at 1,200 feet AGL or higher, which is well above the 400-foot maximum altitude for drones, so no authorization is needed for typical drone operations.

Class G Airspace

Location: Anywhere that’s not Class A, B, C, D, or E. Generally, Class G extends from the surface to 1,200 feet AGL in most areas, or 700 feet AGL in some areas near airports.

Drone Operations: No authorization required. This is “uncontrolled airspace” where most recreational drone flying occurs.

Visual Reference: Class G is not depicted on sectional charts—it’s simply the absence of other airspace classifications.

LAANC: The Modern Authorization System

What Is LAANC?

LAANC stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. Implemented in 2018 and expanded since, LAANC is a collaboration between the FAA and industry that provides near-real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace.

Before LAANC, obtaining airspace authorization could take weeks or months. LAANC provides instant or near-instant authorization for most routine operations, revolutionizing how drone pilots access controlled airspace.

How LAANC Works

LAANC uses a grid system overlaying controlled airspace. Each grid cell has a maximum altitude where the FAA has determined drone operations can be safely authorized automatically.

For example, a grid cell 3 miles from an airport might have a LAANC ceiling of 100 feet, while a cell 8 miles away might allow 400 feet. These altitudes are calculated to keep drones well clear of aircraft approach and departure paths.

LAANC Coverage

As of 2025, LAANC covers:

• Over 730 airports across the United States
• Most Class B, C, and D airspace
• Many Class E surface areas
• Expansion continues regularly

Not all controlled airspace has LAANC coverage yet. Check your intended flight location using a LAANC-enabled app to see if instant authorization is available.

Using LAANC: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Download a LAANC-Enabled App

FAA-approved LAANC service providers include:

• Aloft
• AirMap
• Kittyhawk
• UASidekick
• Skyward
• And several others

These apps are available for iOS and Android. Most offer free versions for individual pilots and premium versions for commercial operations.

Step 2: Create an Account and Verify Identity

Most LAANC apps require:

• Your FAA registration number (recreational or commercial)
• Part 107 certificate number (if flying commercially)
• Identity verification

This verification ensures only authorized pilots can request airspace authorizations.

Step 3: Plan Your Flight

In the app:

• Set your flight location (map pin or GPS coordinates)
• Specify maximum altitude (in feet AGL)
• Set flight date and time window
• View the LAANC grid to see maximum available altitudes

The app shows color-coded grids indicating available altitudes. If you request an altitude at or below the LAANC ceiling, you’ll typically receive instant authorization.

Step 4: Submit Authorization Request

After entering flight details, submit your request. The system checks your request against:

• LAANC grid ceilings
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
• Other restrictions or notices

Step 5: Receive Authorization

If approved (usually instant for requests within LAANC limits), you’ll receive:

• Authorization confirmation in the app
• Authorization number
• Approved altitude ceiling
• Time window for the flight

Save this authorization—carry it digitally or print it. You may need to present it if questioned by law enforcement or FAA inspectors.

LAANC Altitudes and Requesting Higher

If the LAANC ceiling is lower than you need—for example, the grid shows 100 feet but you need 200 feet—you can request a higher altitude through the app.

Higher requests go to air traffic control for manual review and may take longer (minutes to hours rather than instant). ATC will approve or deny based on current traffic and safety considerations.

LAANC Limitations

LAANC doesn’t cover:

• Operations above 400 feet AGL
• Night operations at some facilities (depending on tower hours)
• Extended duration authorizations (typically limited to 4 hours per request)
• Airspace not yet integrated into LAANC

For these situations, you’ll need a traditional DroneZone authorization or waiver.

DroneZone Manual Authorizations

When to Use DroneZone

Use the FAA’s DroneZone portal (faadronezone.faa.gov) for airspace authorization when:

• LAANC is not available for your location
• You need authorization for extended periods (multiple days, weeks, or months)
• You require altitudes above the LAANC ceiling and manual approval
• You need authorization in airspace types not covered by LAANC

Submitting a DroneZone Airspace Authorization

Timeline: Traditional authorizations can take 30-90 days for processing, so plan well in advance.

Process:

• Log into FAA DroneZone
• Select “Request Airspace Authorization”
• Provide flight details: location, altitude, date/time, operation description
• Explain safety measures and how you’ll mitigate risks
• Submit and wait for FAA review

The FAA may approve, deny, or request additional information. Approvals are sent via email with specific conditions and limitations.

Checking Airspace Before Every Flight

Before every flight—whether in controlled or uncontrolled airspace—check current airspace status using one or more of these tools:

B4UFLY Mobile App

The FAA’s official B4UFLY app provides:

• Color-coded map showing where you can and cannot fly
• Airspace classification information
• Active Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
• Links to request LAANC authorization

B4UFLY is updated regularly with the latest airspace data and restrictions. It’s a quick, easy way to verify flight legality.

LAANC Provider Apps

Apps like Aloft, AirMap, and others provide comprehensive airspace information along with LAANC capabilities:

• Detailed airspace visualizations
• LAANC altitude grids
• Weather information
• Flight logging
• Authorization management

FAA Sectional Charts

For advanced planning, aeronautical sectional charts show:

• All airspace classifications
• Airport locations and details
• Maximum elevation figures (MEF)
• Obstacles and terrain

Sectional charts are available free online through SkyVector.com and the FAA’s website. While not as user-friendly as apps for quick checks, they provide the most comprehensive airspace information.

NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)

NOTAMs announce temporary restrictions, hazards, or changes to airspace. Check NOTAMs for:

• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for wildfires, VIP movements, sporting events, etc.
• Military operations
• Airshow activities
• Changes to airspace structure or tower hours

LAANC apps and B4UFLY automatically check NOTAMs, but you can also review them at 1800wxbrief.com or through FAA NOTAM search tools.

Special Use Airspace and Restrictions

Military Operating Areas (MOAs)

MOAs are airspace where military aircraft conduct training. While drone operations aren’t explicitly prohibited in MOAs, extreme caution is warranted.

Military aircraft in MOAs may be flying high-speed maneuvers at low altitudes. Check with the controlling military facility before operating in active MOAs.

Restricted Areas

Restricted areas contain unusual hazards like artillery firing, missile tests, or other dangerous activities. Drone operations are typically prohibited without specific authorization.

Restricted areas are shown on sectional charts with “R-” designations (like R-2301).

Prohibited Areas

Prohibited areas (marked “P-” on charts) are permanently off-limits to all aircraft without extremely rare special authorization. Examples include areas around the White House and Naval Observatory in Washington, DC.

Never operate drones in prohibited areas.

National Security TFRs

Temporary Flight Restrictions for national security reasons (VIP movements, national security events) create no-fly zones that change frequently.

These TFRs often prohibit all aircraft operations, including drones, within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the protected individual or event. Always check for active TFRs before flying.

Stadium TFRs

Special rules prohibit drone operations within 3 nautical miles of stadiums with seating for 30,000+ people during events, from one hour before to one hour after the event.

This includes NFL, MLB, NCAA Division I football, and major motorsports events. Violations can result in severe penalties including criminal charges.

Wildfire TFRs

When wildfires occur, the FAA establishes TFRs to protect firefighting aircraft. These TFRs strictly prohibit all drone operations in the affected area.

“If you fly, we can’t” is the firefighting community’s message to drone operators. Drones interfering with firefighting efforts face serious criminal penalties.

Practical Airspace Tips for Drone Pilots

For Recreational Pilots

• Stick to Class G When Starting: New pilots should practice in uncontrolled airspace until comfortable with their skills
• Use LAANC for Controlled Airspace: When you need to fly in controlled airspace, LAANC makes it easy
• Check Before Every Flight: Airspace status can change—always verify before flying
• Respect Restricted Areas: Even if you think it’s safe, restricted airspace exists for reasons

For Commercial Pilots

• Plan Ahead for Non-LAANC Locations: If your job is in non-LAANC airspace, start the authorization process 90 days early
• Maintain Records: Keep copies of all airspace authorizations—digital and physical
• Brief Clients on Airspace: Explain to clients why certain locations may require authorization or have restrictions
• Monitor Active TFRs: Presidential movements and other TFRs can pop up quickly; check the morning of every flight
• Consider Multiple LAANC Apps: Different apps have different features; having multiple can provide redundancy

Common Airspace Mistakes

• Assuming Class G Everywhere: Just because it looks rural doesn’t mean it’s uncontrolled—always check
• Ignoring TFRs: Temporary restrictions appear and disappear; yesterday’s clear airspace may be restricted today
• Flying Without Authorization in Controlled Airspace: “I saw other drones” is not authorization
• Not Understanding LAANC Altitudes: LAANC authorization for 100 feet means maximum 100 feet, not 400 feet
• Operating During Stadium Events: The 3-mile rule applies even if you’re not near the stadium entrance

Future of Airspace Authorization

Expanded LAANC Coverage

The FAA continues expanding LAANC to cover more airports and controlled airspace. Future enhancements may include:

• Longer authorization windows through LAANC
• Night operations integration
• Higher altitude authorizations
• Integration with UTM (UAS Traffic Management) systems

UAS Traffic Management (UTM)

UTM systems under development will eventually provide:

• Automated traffic deconfliction (drones avoiding each other)
• Real-time airspace status
• Integration between manned and unmanned traffic
• Support for BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) operations

Combined with Remote ID, UTM will enable more complex operations in busier airspace.

Conclusion: Respecting the Shared Airspace

Airspace authorization requirements exist to keep everyone safe—airline passengers, general aviation pilots, helicopters, and people on the ground. Understanding airspace classifications and using tools like LAANC ensures your drone operations integrate safely into the National Airspace System.

The good news: technology has made airspace authorization easier than ever. What once took months now happens instantly through LAANC. Apps put comprehensive airspace information at your fingertips. The barriers to legal, compliant flight have never been lower.

Make airspace checks a non-negotiable part of your preflight routine. Whether you’re flying commercially or recreationally, knowing your airspace status protects your operations, your certificate, and most importantly, the safety of everyone sharing the sky.

The sky is vast and accessible—but it’s also shared and regulated. By understanding airspace and obtaining proper authorization, you’re doing your part to ensure drones can continue operating safely and legally for years to come.