Definition
A map published by the FAA that shows the maximum altitudes around airports at which the FAA may authorize Part 107 small unmanned aircraft (drone) operations in controlled airspace without additional safety analysis. The map is divided into grids around each airport, and each grid displays a ceiling value in feet above ground level. These altitudes inform both LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) requests and FAA Part 107 waiver or airspace authorization decisions.
Plain English
A grid map around airports showing the highest altitude a drone can usually be flown to in that area without needing extra FAA review. Drone operators use it to know what altitude is likely to be approved before they fly.
Context Anchor
Seen when planning UAS flights near airports, especially when using FAA authorization tools such as LAANC or the FAA DroneZone.
Derivation
UAS stands for Unmanned Aircraft System — the drone, its controller, and supporting equipment treated as one system. 'Facility' refers to the air traffic facility (such as a control tower) responsible for that airspace. So a UAS Facility Map is simply a map showing what altitudes that facility has pre-approved for drone use.
Why Pilots Care
Allows both manned pilots and UAS operators to anticipate where drone activity is authorized and at what altitudes, reducing collision risk.
Analogy
Think of it like a speed-limit map for drone altitude requests near an airport. It shows the usual upper limit for each area, but it is not the permission slip itself.
Intuition Check
Do not read MAP here as “missed approach point.” In this term, MAP simply means a map used for UAS airspace planning. Also, the map does not approve the flight by itself; it only supports the authorization process.
Example Sentence 1
Before filing her LAANC request, the drone pilot checked the UAS Facility Map and saw the grid over the park was approved up to 200 feet AGL.
Example Sentence 2
The UAS operator consulted the UAS Facility MAP to confirm the maximum altitude permitted in the approach corridor.