Submit LAANC for your flight
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the FAA's automated permission system for drone flight in controlled airspace. Auto-approval typically returns in seconds. Here's what you need before you submit, and where to do it.
Before you submit
Pilot credentials in hand
TRUST certificate (recreational) or Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial). Either is fine — LAANC doesn't care which one, but you do need one.
Drone registered with the FAA
Required for drones over 250 g (recreational) or any drone used commercially. You'll need the registration number during submission.
Remote ID broadcast active
Required since September 2023. Most modern DJI / Autel drones have it built in; older drones need an external broadcast module.
Time window planned
LAANC is requested for a specific time window — usually a 4-hour block. Pick the period you actually plan to fly. You can submit up to 24 hours in advance.
The submission flow, end to end
- 1
Confirm your LAANC ceiling
Run an airspace check at altoa.io/can-i-fly-here for your takeoff address. The result shows the per-cell ceiling — the maximum altitude at which auto-approval is available. Cells under approach paths are often 0 ft; most other cells are 100–400 ft.
- 2
Open the LAANC submission tool
We hand you off to Airspace Link AirHub Portal, an FAA-approved USS. The address you came from will be prefilled. Sign in (free; one-time account creation) or use guest if available.
- 3
Fill in flight details
Operator name, drone registration, flight altitude (must be at or below your cell's ceiling), and the time window. Most fields autofill from your USS account.
- 4
Submit and wait — usually seconds
Auto-approval responds in under a minute when your altitude is at or below the cell ceiling and there are no conflicting NOTAMs. Save the confirmation. Re-check TFRs immediately before flight.
FAQ
Is LAANC required for recreational pilots?
Yes. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 made airspace authorization mandatory for recreational pilots in controlled airspace, the same as for Part 107 pilots.
How fast is LAANC approval?
Typically under a minute when your altitude is at or below the cell ceiling. Some cells require further coordination, which can take longer. 0 ft cells are not auto-approvable — they require a waiver via FAA DroneZone.
Does LAANC cost anything?
No. LAANC itself is free. Some service suppliers offer paid premium tiers but basic submission is always free.
Can I submit LAANC for the past?
No. LAANC is forward-looking. You can submit up to 24 hours in advance for a specific future time window.
Do I need a Part 107 to submit?
No. Recreational pilots submit LAANC under Section 44809 with their TRUST certificate. Part 107 is required for commercial operation but not for LAANC submission as a recreational pilot.
Altoa is not an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier. Authorization is granted by the FAA via the third-party USS we recommend. Always verify your authorization receipt before flight. Altoa is not the FAA.