Definition
An FAA system that provides drone (unmanned aircraft) operators with near real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace at or below specified altitude limits near airports. LAANC works through approved third-party service providers and shares airspace data between the FAA and drone operators, allowing automated approval for flights that fall within pre-defined altitude ceilings on UAS Facility Maps.
Plain English
A system that lets drone pilots quickly get permission to fly in airspace near airports, often within seconds, instead of waiting days for manual approval.
Context Anchor
Seen in drone flight planning, especially when a remote pilot wants to fly near an airport or in airspace where FAA approval is required.
Derivation
The name describes the function: 'Low Altitude' (drones fly low), 'Authorization' (permission to enter controlled airspace), and 'Notification' (telling ATC the flight is happening). The acronym LAANC is pronounced 'lance.'
Why Pilots Care
It removes delays and manual paperwork so drone flights can proceed legally and safely without disrupting manned traffic.
Intuition Check
Do not read “notification” as meaning the pilot is only telling the FAA after deciding to fly. In this term, LAANC is used to request and receive authorization when approval is required.
Example Sentence 1
Before launching the drone for the bridge inspection, the operator used a LAANC app to get authorization to fly in the Class D airspace.
Example Sentence 2
LAANC sent an automatic notification to the tower confirming the approved low-altitude operation.