Airspace and LAANC

[Neal W]

I probably should know the answer, since I took my Part 107 exam earlier this year.

I live and fly in Class D airspace surrounding KLUK. Normally, I get LAANC approval within a minute or so. Last night around 10pm I wanted to fly to see if I could catch any of the Aurora. At night, apparently the KLUK tower is closed and the space is Class E. When I requested LAANC approval, I got no response.

My question: Do I need approval to in Class E airspace?

 

[mavic3usa]

I don't have part 107 so I don't know if this is accurate for you but for me, as a recreational pilot, there is no way to get automatic LAANC approval that late at night.

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/night-authorization-available-part-107-drone-pilots#:~:text=Since%20April%202021%2C%20while%20LAANC,which%20expires%20on%20September%2030.

 

[Vic Moss]

I probably should know the answer, since I took my Part 107 exam earlier this year.

I live and fly in Class D airspace surrounding KLUK. Normally, I get LAANC approval within a minute or so. Last night around 10pm I wanted to fly to see if I could catch any of the Aurora. At night, apparently the KLUK tower is closed and the space is Class E. When I requested LAANC approval, I got no response.

My question: Do I need approval to in Class E airspace?

Odds are it reverts to E2. That means surface. So yes, you still need LAANC approval. You wouldn't if it reverted to Class G.

 

[Vic Moss]

I don't have part 107 so I don't know if this is accurate for you but for me, as a recreational pilot, there is no way to get automatic LAANC approval that late at night.

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/night-authorization-available-part-107-drone-pilots#:~:text=Since%20April%202021%2C%20while%20LAANC,which%20expires%20on%20September%2030.

Recreational flyers can get approval to fly in Controlled Airspace at night. That link if to a page from 2021. It has changed.

 

[mavic3usa]

Recreational flyers can get approval to fly in Controlled Airspace at night. That link if to a page from 2021. It has changed.

I realize it is possible for recreational flyers to get approval to fly at night in controlled airspace, I just didn't think it was possible to get automatic approval. Really would be nice if I could all of a sudden decide I wanted to step out at midnight and fly up to 200 feet.....

 

[PHZ]

I suppose you could alwayS apply for a waiver, then you wouldn’t need to apply all the time. A thought…

 

[Vic Moss]

I realize it is possible for recreational flyers to get approval to fly at night in controlled airspace, I just didn't think it was possible to get automatic approval. Really would be nice if I could all of a sudden decide I wanted to step out at midnight and fly up to 200 feet.....

As long as you're in a 200' gird, you can. If you're not in a 200' grid, you can't fly higher than that no mater the time of day.

 

[Vic Moss]

I suppose you could alwayS apply for a waiver, then you wouldn’t need to apply all the time. A thought…

I'm not sure who you're answering, but it's not a waiver for 107. If you're dealing with airspace, you ask for an Airspace Authorization. And that's only for 107 folks. Recreational flyers can't get waivers.

 

[PHZ]

I'm not sure who you're answering, but it's not a waiver for 107. If you're dealing with airspace, you ask for an Airspace Authorization. And that's only for 107 folks. Recreational flyers can't get waivers.

Thanks for the correction, Vic.