LAANC Finally Here!

March 7, 2018

Yes, the wait is over, well sort-of. If you have not already heard, the most significant news to hit the sUAS industry was released today from the FAA. Everyone in the drone world knew it was coming, but it sounded like it might be put off longer than expected. For some that might be true but depending on where you live in the United States, you could start having authorization as soon as April 30th, 2018.

LAANC?

I might be jumping the gun for some but let’s talk about LAANC for a moment. Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability is designed to streamline the process for processing airspace authorization in near real time. No more filling out a 19 part form asking for authorization from the FAA and waiting 3 to 6 months for approval (and that was when you were lucky). Those just coming into the drone business world will never know the frustration we had waiting, and waiting oh, and waiting to get approval and many times having to make adjustments and go through the process again. Oh, I will miss those days – Yeah, right!!

“Drone pilots can use applications developed by approved UAS Service Suppliers to access the LAANC capability.”

FAA UAS Data Exchange

Approved LAANC UAS Suppliers

At this time, the list of approved suppliers for the LAANC system is pretty limited, but there are some pretty heavy hitters on the list. This list will continue to grow over the upcoming months and years, and your options will likely be pretty expansive.

List of approved companies thus far:

So much to do in such a little time

This is an exhilarating time for Part 107 licensed sUAS pilots but know that there will probably be some little hiccups along the way. Still, it will be fun to work through it all and see the industry expand shortly.

Just tell me when I will be able to use LAANC, will you?

Enough floundering, let’s look at what matters. When will the LAANC roll out to your area? Here is the list released by the FAA

South Central USA April 30, 2018
Western North USA May 24, 2018
Western South USA June 21, 2018
Eastern South USA July 19, 2018
Eastern North USA August 16, 2018
Central North USA September 13, 2018

Keith Dunn

The world of Drone Work is not only a profession but an absolute pleasure for me. Flying has always been a passion and extending that same knowledge into the unmanned Aircraft arena was a perfect vertical move. I am always excited to share my experiences and hear from others so we can all grow together.