The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is a system developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide automated airspace authorization for drones operating below 400 feet in controlled airspace. DroneDeploy integrates with Airbus UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) to facilitate LAANC approvals for its users.
The LAANC approval process utilizing Airbus UTM in DroneDeploy involves the following steps:
1. Plan your drone mission: First, you need to plan your drone mission in DroneDeploy by selecting the area to be mapped or surveyed, setting the flight parameters like altitude, speed, and camera settings, and creating a flight plan.
2. Request LAANC approval: Once your mission is planned, you can request LAANC approval from within DroneDeploy by clicking on the "Request LAANC Approval" button. This will initiate the process of obtaining airspace authorization from the FAA.
3. Verify airspace and obtain approval: DroneDeploy will automatically check the airspace around your planned mission area against the FAA's database to determine if LAANC authorization is required. If it is, DroneDeploy will send the authorization request to Airbus UTM. Airbus UTM will then verify that your drone mission complies with FAA rules and regulations and issue an automated approval if it meets the requirements.
4. Receive approval and fly your mission: Once you receive LAANC approval, you can fly your drone mission within the authorized airspace and complete your data collection. DroneDeploy will automatically update your flight plan with the approved altitude and time window for your mission.
What do I do if Airbus UTM rejects my airspace authorization request in DroneDeploy?
If your airspace authorization request is rejected by Airbus UTM in DroneDeploy, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:
1. Review the rejection message: When your authorization request is rejected, Airbus UTM will provide a reason for the rejection. Review this message carefully to understand the specific issue that caused the rejection.
2. Double-check your flight plan: Look over your DroneDeploy flight plan to make sure that all of the details are correct, including the mission area, altitude, and other parameters. Ensure that your drone's capabilities meet the requirements of the mission.
3. Check the airspace restrictions: Verify that your planned mission area is not in a restricted area, such as a no-fly zone or a temporary flight restriction (TFR).
4. Contact support: If you are unable to identify the reason for the rejection or need additional assistance, contact DroneDeploy's customer support team. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and provide guidance on how to proceed.
5. Appeal the decision: In some cases, it may be possible to appeal the decision if you believe that the rejection was made in error or that your mission meets the necessary requirements. Contact Airbus UTM or the FAA to inquire about the appeals process and next steps.
Remember that the LAANC approval process is designed to ensure the safety of all airspace users, so it's important to follow all rules and regulations when planning and executing your drone mission.