Definition
A UAS Facility Map is an FAA-published chart that shows the maximum altitudes around airports at which the FAA may authorize small unmanned aircraft (drone) operations in controlled airspace under Part 107 without additional safety analysis. The map divides the airspace around each facility into grid squares, each labeled with a ceiling expressed in feet above ground level (often 0, 50, 100, 200, 300, or 400 feet AGL).
Plain English
It's a map the FAA publishes for each airport that tells drone pilots how high they can fly in each square of nearby airspace before they need extra permission. Lower numbers near runways, higher numbers farther out.
Context Anchor
Seen when planning drone flights near airports, especially when requesting FAA authorization through an approved drone authorization system.
Why Pilots Care
Helps drone operators choose safe altitudes and locations that avoid conflicts with manned traffic, supporting legal and safe operations.
Analogy
Think of it like a neighborhood map with height limits printed on each block. The printed number helps you know what may be allowed there, but it is not the same as receiving permission to use that space.
Intuition Check
Do not read MAP here as “missed approach point.” In this term, Map means a chart-like FAA planning map for drone altitude authorization areas.
Example Sentence 1
Before filing the LAANC request, she checked the UASFM and saw the grid over the park was marked 200 feet, so she requested 180 feet AGL and got near-instant approval.
Example Sentence 2
UASFM layers in planning apps display altitude ceilings so pilots can stay within approved limits.