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Another LAANC question

JCapps

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So I am planning a trip in March to help my Daughter get settled in her new home. I would like to take my drone and get some footage while there. I looked at her address and it's in a class D area with what looks like a 100' limit. I DO NOT have my part 107 as I just fly recreationally, for now. I have never applied for a LAANC and was looking at my app to try and see how easy or hard it would be to do. I have read that people get approval rather easily and quickly but when I started looking it stated that it's best to apply for approval 60 days out to help with approval. I don't mind doing that but that far out I don't know what day and time the weather would be good to fly. So, can anyone tell me if I can ask for multiple days or multiple times in one day in one request or would I have to ask for multiple request even if it's for the same day? Is there a range for a request of hours or is it a specific time? Also I am posting a pic of the area and would also like to know if I interpret the map correctly. I'm sure it's more simple than I think but since it's my first time I just want to make sure I understand everything correctly> Appreciate any input. Thanks

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As a recreational pilot using that app, you can only get automatic LAANC authorizations which takes about 2 minutes to complete and less than 30 seconds to get approved. I don't think you have any other options but I'll let someone else answer more familiar with based on the location which you seek to gain authorization to fly. It's really easy, you can (but not necessary) apply in advance and you cannot fly in controlled airspace after dark (your setup will be rejected before you can even submit it). I've heard it is possible to complete other types of complex request submissions but it's the exception and based on what you decided, I don't think you'll need it.
 
As a recreational pilot using that app, you can only get automatic LAANC authorizations which takes about 2 minutes to complete and less than 30 seconds to get approved. I don't think you have any other options but I'll let someone else answer more familiar with based on the location which you seek to gain authorization to fly. It's really easy, you can (but not necessary) apply in advance and you cannot fly in controlled airspace after dark (your setup will be rejected before you can even submit it). I've heard it is possible to complete other types of complex request submissions but it's the exception and based on what you decided, I don't think you'll need it.
Thanks. I don't plan on trying to fly at night. I just want to get some footage and pics of the area while there. Hopefully it will be a quick and simple approval as I will be busy helping her and hope to get quick access on a good weather day.
 
Thanks. I don't plan on trying to fly at night. I just want to get some footage and pics of the area while there. Hopefully it will be a quick and simple approval as I will be busy helping her and hope to get quick access on a good weather day.
You can go ahead and do it now, you don't have to be there and you aren't obligated to fly just because you requested and successfully gained approval. Give it a shot!
 
I live within a class C, and fly with LAANC clearances all the time. A pain since I am only about 100 feet inside the 5 mile, but I still ask for permission rather than beg for forgiveness. I have been given clearance for all but one time when the area was set to no-fly for an airshow. Easy, simple, and well, required. I use Aloft. Free and easy to add to the phone. Also - it's easy to set and plan a time and ask for the clearance ahead of time, like sometime tomorrow morning I'll get a chance to fly... click click done. A minute or two later they text you back the cert.

 
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If my experience is common, the LAANC approval is almost instant and, provided you are asking for permission within the 100 ft limitation, it will be no problem to get it.

The frustrating part is not getting the LAANC approval, it is getting DJI to allow your drone to take off. It sounds easier than it is.

My success rate at that part of the process is very poor. You can use up a lot of battery time diddling around on this and even when you follow, (or attempt to follow) the rules there is almost invariably some tiny part of the process that hangs it up. I would suggest you go someplace near where you live which is within an area requiring LAANC approval and practice it several times until you perfect the process. THEN duplicate it at your desired location.
 
If my experience is common, the LAANC approval is almost instant and, provided you are asking for permission within the 100 ft limitation, it will be no problem to get it.

The frustrating part is not getting the LAANC approval, it is getting DJI to allow your drone to take off. It sounds easier than it is.

My success rate at that part of the process is very poor. You can use up a lot of battery time diddling around on this and even when you follow, (or attempt to follow) the rules there is almost invariably some tiny part of the process that hangs it up. I would suggest you go someplace near where you live which is within an area requiring LAANC approval and practice it several times until you perfect the process. THEN duplicate it at your desired location.
Great advice. Thanks
One thing. If I get permission, is there something I need to do specifically with the drone or should it automatically recognize it snd allow me to fly?
 
That depends on the location. If inside a DJI GeoFenced location, the drone won't fly until DJI gives you a code to allow flight. It's something I've never had to deal with, but you can prep yourself and read up on it at the DJI website.

For typical LAANC approvals where DJI fencing isn't an issue, it's only a paper trail in case someone asks "Did you get clearance?" The drone isn't involved with anything LAANC.

ps: out of abundant caution, I archive all my LAANC clearance texts.
 


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