Mobile app offers commercial drone operators automated access to controlled airspace

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Commercial drone operators can soon use the same mobile app used for flight planning and situational awareness to request automated authorization to fly in controlled airspaces surrounding airports, the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) announced on Tuesday.

Under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) initiative, commercial drone operators can begin using iOS and Android versions of the AirMap app to request access to restricted airspace near Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Lincoln Airport, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and San Jose International Airport.

The FAA anticipates that AirMap automated authorization will be made available at additional airports in the near future, and a nationwide beta initiative for LAANC authorization is expected in 2018.

“LAANC is expected to dramatically reduce the incidence of noncompliant operations,” the FAA stated in a release. “The FAA estimates a minimum of 30 percent reduction in noncompliant operations would result in 450 fewer safety reports over the next six months.”

Previously, commercial drone access to restricted airspace required an application process that could span up to 90 days. Now, using the free AirMapp, Part 107 operators can view LAANC-authorized airspaces and apply for access. Operators are notified of a request’s approval or denial within seconds.

“AirMap is very excited to work with the FAA and LAANC project partners to make automated authorization a reality,” Ben Marcus, the CEO of AirMap, said. “Now, drone operators can use AirMap to get immediate airspace access for flights that grow their businesses and accelerate the drone economy. These four airports are just the start. We’re looking forward to bringing automated authorization to airports across the country, and we hope that we can soon share LAANC authorization with our entire developer community.”