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Another LAANC question

JCapps

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Canton, GA, USA
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

1000025764.jpg
 
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!
 
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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.

 
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.
 
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.
Thanks. Good info. I'll read more and definitely keep copies of any text or approvals.
 
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.
I was just going to write about this issue. I had LAANC approvals for a flight in Class D airspace to 100' from Aloft, but the drone insisted I was in restricted airspace with "NO TAKEOFF" in bright red. I tried everything I could to get DJI approval and to unlock it but it was a no-go. It was on a job but luckily the aerial was an optional shot which I hadn't promised. What a terrible situation. My assistant tried for hours to get the DJI approvals. On my remote control, it thought I was in a no-fly area under an approach path, but Aloft showed 100' and got approval instantly 3 times during that day. I tried to find out where to input the approval code into the app and or controller but had no luck. Not sure how DJI can lock you out of a flight when the FAA gives approval. That is terrible for business! I was using my Mavic 3.
 
I was just going to write about this issue. I had LAANC approvals for a flight in Class D airspace to 100' from Aloft, but the drone insisted I was in restricted airspace with "NO TAKEOFF" in bright red. I tried everything I could to get DJI approval and to unlock it but it was a no-go. It was on a job but luckily the aerial was an optional shot which I hadn't promised. What a terrible situation. My assistant tried for hours to get the DJI approvals. On my remote control, it thought I was in a no-fly area under an approach path, but Aloft showed 100' and got approval instantly 3 times during that day. I tried to find out where to input the approval code into the app and or controller but had no luck. Not sure how DJI can lock you out of a flight when the FAA gives approval. That is terrible for business! I was using my Mavic 3.
This is the type of thing.I was expecting to have problems with. I guess I won't know until I get there and try. It will be my luck that It will be a no fly for me. Time will tell.
 
This is the type of thing.I was expecting to have problems with. I guess I won't know until I get there and try. It will be my luck that It will be a no fly for me. Time will tell.
Someone mentioned trying a "dry run"...find somewhere convenient that is controlled air and get yourself a laanc.....then see if you can take off...if not you should be able to work it out before you really do need the laanc
 
Someone mentioned trying a "dry run"...find somewhere convenient that is controlled air and get yourself a laanc.....then see if you can take off...if not you should be able to work it out before you really do need the laanc
Unfortunately, I don't have one near me, but I will take my drone with me when I go places just in case I'm near one.
 
Unfortunately, I don't have one near me, but I will take my drone with me when I go places just in case I'm near one.
I fly in LAANC area all the time and only one time my drone asked me to accept responsibility. So every area is different and you're never going to know until you get to the one you need to fly within.

maybe you can check here:

 
Unfortunately, I don't have one near me, but I will take my drone with me when I go places just in case I'm near one.
Not all class XYZ airspace is treated the same. Some class C's have 400' buffers, some 100', and not all are in DJI's GeoFence database. Check here for what DJI is listing today, or even better open up the area in the DJI Fly / DJI Fly-Safe apps.


Your fly spot is close enough to an air base I'd expect DJI has done diligence to restrict flight. The DJI web says there are restrictions in its GeoFencing, but also that there is a TFR active (temp flight restriction), I did not verify the TFR with the FAA, no clue where it is current. I've attached a screen shot of the DJI website (blue is the fenced-area they report), and a link to the FAA sectional, one of those "too much information" overload deals. But you might be okay with just getting the LAANC clearance. Just make sure you have full GPS coverage (clear view of full sky - between buildings won't cut it) before firing up the DJI apps so they really know where you are.

1734558537071.png
Also: https://aeronav.faa.gov/visual/12-26-2024/PDFs/New_Orleans.pdf

ps: I checked the TFR list, didn't see any current TFR's or NOTAM's affecting the area; but I'm not an expert so grains of salt are required.


pps: actually, when I read them there is one notam that specifically recommends drones avoid flying near US military type property.

NOTAM 3/0104
... UAS OPERATORS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID FLYING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY (GENERALLY, IN AIRSPACE WITHIN 3000FT LATERALLY AND 1000FT ABOVE UNLESS INDICATED BY THE FAA BY NOTAM OR OTHER MEANS) TO: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) AND DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) FACILITIES AND MOBILE ASSETS, INCLUDING VESSELS AND GROUND VEHICLE CONVOYS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED ESCORTS, SUCH AS UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG) OPERATED VESSELS. ...
 
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Not all class XYZ airspace is treated the same. Some class C's have 400' buffers, some 100', and not all are in DJI's GeoFence database. Check here for what DJI is listing today, or even better open up the area in the DJI Fly / DJI Fly-Safe apps.


Your fly spot is close enough to an air base I'd expect DJI has done diligence to restrict flight. The DJI web says there are restrictions in its GeoFencing, but also that there is a TFR active (temp flight restriction), I did not verify the TFR with the FAA, no clue where it is current. I've attached a screen shot of the DJI website (blue is the fenced-area they report), and a link to the FAA sectional, one of those "too much information" overload deals. But you might be okay with just getting the LAANC clearance. Just make sure you have full GPS coverage (clear view of full sky - between buildings won't cut it) before firing up the DJI apps so they really know where you are.

View attachment 179868
Also: https://aeronav.faa.gov/visual/12-26-2024/PDFs/New_Orleans.pdf

ps: I checked the TFR list, didn't see any current TFR's or NOTAM's affecting the area; but I'm not an expert so grains of salt are required.


pps: actually, when I read them there is one notam that specifically recommends drones avoid flying near US military type property.

NOTAM 3/0104
... UAS OPERATORS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID FLYING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY (GENERALLY, IN AIRSPACE WITHIN 3000FT LATERALLY AND 1000FT ABOVE UNLESS INDICATED BY THE FAA BY NOTAM OR OTHER MEANS) TO: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) AND DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) FACILITIES AND MOBILE ASSETS, INCLUDING VESSELS AND GROUND VEHICLE CONVOYS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED ESCORTS, SUCH AS UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG) OPERATED VESSELS. ...
Thanks for the info. My luck I won't be able to fly but if not it's not that big of a deal.
 

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