The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is evaluating a system that would automatically approve most requests from unmanned aircraft (UAS) operators operating in specific airspace below designated altitudes.
The FAA’s Part 107 prohibits operators from flying UAS in airspace controlled by the FAA without prior approval from the agency.
The system, Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, has been deployed at 10 air traffic facilities and nearly 50 airports. The system will be tested for functionality and to identify any problems.
The services are provided by AirMap and Skyward, two FAA-approved companies.
“In contrast to the waiver process, which can take up to 90 days, you can now get automated authorization to fly in controlled airspace in seconds, up to predetermined altitudes,” AirMap CEO Ben Marcus said. “Even for more complex flights that might need coordination with air traffic control, including flights at higher altitudes or closer to airports, you can request manual authorization, and receive confirmation in 30 days or less. In reality, it can be much quicker than that: some of our users have reported that manual authorizations are being approved in as little as a minute.”
Testing will last through spring, and national testing will begin sometime next year.