Airspace Unlock

Airspace Authorization Zones

Airspace is divided into different categories and regions to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. These divisions are typically defined by altitude and function. Here are some of the main differences in airspace categories and regions:

Class A – G Airspace

• These are the different categories of Airspace for Commercial Airline Pilots.                                                                                  
• Typically has no effects on drone pilots besides requiring LAANC approval. 

• Drones can operate in controlled airspace, such as Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace, with permission from air traffic control. In these cases, drone pilots must obtain LAANC approval.
• Drones can typically operate in Class G airspace and do NOT require airspace approval.

Special Use Airspace

• Examples include Military Operation Areas (MOAs), Restricted Areas, and Prohibited Areas.
• Function: Reserved for specific military or government activities.
• Regulations: Various restrictions and entry requirements.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

• Function: Established for a short duration for specific events or hazardous conditions.
• Regulations: Strict no-fly zones during TFR periods.
• Presidential movements/ specifically VIP movement TFR’s.

Terminal Control Areas (TRACON)

• Function: Surround major airports and handle traffic during takeoff and landing.
• Regulations: Controlled airspace for managing approach and departure procedures.
• These are rare and are typically only over airport property.

Visualize It

We use Visualize It as the primary site to check airspace. For more info on Visualize It, check out our other article:

What is LAANC?

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is a system in the United States that allows drone operators to obtain real-time airspace authorizations for flying in controlled airspace. In the past, all airspace approvals had to go through the manual process of applying through the Drone Zone. This required the ATC towers to review and approve/deny every request that came through. As the drone industry expanded, the FAA developed a more automatic airspace unlocking system to make it easier for pilots to get airspace approval. Airports then had the ability to be LAANC-ready and allowed for pilots to be automatically approved or denied based on the details of their request. 

LAANC Authorization is the best place to start to get approval. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Choose a LAANC Provider: The first step is to choose a LAANC service provider. There are several approved LAANC service providers, but our pilots primarily use Aircontrol by Aloft. 

2. Create an Account: Once you’ve selected a provider, you’ll need to create an account on their platform. You may need to provide personal and drone-related information, including drone serial number, controller serial number, Part 107 number, etc.

3. Know the details of your mission: To apply for the waiver,  you’ll need to specify the location, date, time, and maximum altitude of your flight. Make sure to give yourself extra room in your flight plan for obstacles and other unknown occurrences. 

 Details to consider:

• What are the coordinates of your site?
• What is the max height you want to fly?
• What is the Drone Registration Number of the drone you are using?
• What is the date range you plan to fly?
• What is the time frame? (How long you will be flying)
• Will this be a one-time flight or recurring? (weekly, monthly, bi-monthly)
• Will you need a DJI Geozone unlock through DJI FlySafe? (See DJI Geozone Unlock section below)

4. Check for Special Airspace Restrictions: The LAANC provider’s platform will automatically check for airspace restrictions in your chosen location. Events like Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), military-controlled airspace, or VIP movements (e.g. the President is flying in) may not show on the FAA Airspace map. Plan your flight accordingly.

5. Check Local Restrictions: Some states require you to have a specific state certification to fly. Areas such as Washington, D.C. and the five burrows of New York have specific certifications. Not having the proper permissions could result in losing your FAA license. Other environments to consider are ship ports or areas with film restrictions, like Los Angeles.

6. Request Authorization: If your proposed flight does not conflict with any restrictions, you can request LAANC authorization for your flight. The system will send you a real-time response, usually within minutes, letting you know whether your request is approved, denied, or requires additional coordination.

7. Receive and Maintain Authorization: If your request is approved, you’ll receive a notification in a text or email. This will include a digital certificate or a reference number. Keep this with you during your flight, as you may be required to show it to authorities if asked.

8. Comply with Operational Limitations: Following the conditions and limitations specified in your LAANC authorization is essential. Failure to do so can result in violations and penalties.

Aloft aircontrol  https://www.aloft.ai/feature/laanc/

In some cases, LAANC will not be available. If we know this, we may go straight to the FAA Drone Zone. Sites that fall close to the airport or within Military Airspace are the ones that require these approvals the most. 

FAA DroneZone

1. Go to the https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/

2. Log into your account.

3. Launch drone owners and pilots dashboard

4. Scroll down to Part 107 waivers and authorizations

5. Click on Create Part 107 waiver/authorization

6. Select airspace authorization

7. Start application

8. Fill out Operational Title. All other information should be automatically populated.

9. Click next

10. Fill out mission details

11. For the description of the proposed operation, keep short and direct and include the major details. (give yourself an extra 25 feet above the planned flight height for return-to-home purposes) Make sure return-to-home is set to the correct height for LAANC approval so you don’t fly above the proposed height.

Example: Preplanned automated flight for inspection purposes with a max altitude of 225 AGL. Flight time estimated at 33 minutes. The drone will broadcast Remote ID and have beacon on.

12. Click Next and review your authorization request.

13. Click next and Submit your request.

After receiving the Certificate of Approval (COA), you must apply this to the drone you will be flying for the job. In most cases, our pilots have DJI drones. The first step will be to get this in the DJI system, and then we will activate it using the drone controller. 

DJI Geozone Unlock

If you are using a DJI Drone, you will need to go through this process whether you have a LAANC Approval Reference number or a Certificate of Authorization from Drone Zone. 

DJI Geozone unlock

1.  Go to:https://www.dji.com/flysafe

2. Scroll down to geozone unlock and click unlock a zone

3. Log into your DJI account

4. At the top of the screen, click on the new unlock request

5. Confirm

6. Zone unlocking and confirm

7. Select your Device(drone), Serial Number, and pilot, and click next

8. Select the geo zone you wish to unlock

9. Enter Time range

10. Enter unlocking application reason and submit. ( your reason can be: I have LAANC approval for a preplanned automated flight. LAANC Authorization#) Short and direct is the best practice.

11. Make sure it downloads to your controller for the drone you selected, then enable the geozone unlock to be able to fly in that geozone.

For a step by step on how to apply this COA to your DJI drone on the controller, follow these steps and this video: 

(((ADD VIDEO FOR APPLYING UNLOCK)))