Effective this week, drone operators have more opportunities to fly their unmanned aircraft in U.S. airspace.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced it has expanded the Low Altitude Authorization and Capability system to include recreational flyers. The LAANC system supports the safe integration of drones into U.S. airspace and shortens the time it takes for a drone pilot to get authorization to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace.
“LAANC provides air traffic professionals with visibility into where and when authorized drones are flying near airports and helps ensure that everyone can safely operate within the airspace,” according to the release. “The expansion means the FAA has further increased drone pilots’ access to controlled airspace safely and efficiently.”
Recreational users refer to those who fly their drones for fun, according to FAA guidelines. These users have to register their aircraft and only fly them at or below 400 feet when in uncontrolled or "Class G" airspace. Drones aren’t allowed over airports, unless their users have authorization.