Is LAANC actually permitted here?

[hedbonker]

So this is an area that will get re-developed and I saw a little bit of drone BROLL in a video in this spot. So I look it up on B4UFLY to see what the deal is on this area as I know some folks that are friends with the developers and I was going to submit a proposal for orthomosaic imaging and maybe construction progress videos / stills and the usual crap.

So looking it up on aloft:

Air Aware - The Leading Airspace & Situational Awareness Tool for Drone Operators

Can I fly my drone here? Use Air Aware on the web or mobile devices to check the airspace for federal & local UAS rules & regulations before taking flight.

airaware.aloft.ai

It shows class D air space - not surprising given the local airports and local naval station but on the page it has an LAANC button but it says maximum permissible is 0 ft altitude. Confusing... Obviously 0 ft is worthless so why do they even have the LAANC option on that page?

 

[mavic3usa]

It shows class D air space - not surprising given the local airports and local naval station but on the page it has an LAANC button but it says maximum permissible is 0 ft altitude. Confusing... Obviously 0 ft is worthless so why do they even have the LAANC option on that page?

Part 107 for sure and I'm not sure about recreational so maybe/maybe not.....can get minor exceptions to grids heights if they apply for it. Otherwise, 0 is the no-fly area of the restricted or controlled airspace.

 

[DJ Wes]

It shows class D air space - not surprising given the local airports and local naval station but on the page it has an LAANC button but it says maximum permissible is 0 ft altitude. Confusing... Obviously 0 ft is worthless so why do they even have the LAANC option on that page?

That is normal for a LAANC grid. There are always portions with a zero height restriction meaning that you cannot fly in that portion without a waiver (Part 107 only).

That particular region is listed as "Naval CBC Port Hueneme":

 

[CadrePilot]

The app you're referencing is written for all grids, that's why it lists a max altitude. In a zero grid, LAANC is not an option. For all other grids, you should be able to use LAANC up to the listed number.

Looking more closely at the spot you'd like to fly, I would expect you could get approval through DroneZone. It's likely only a zero grid due to its proximity to the DoD facility and is not near the flight paths of the local airport.

 

[hedbonker]

Thanks. I have had 107 for a few years so no issue there. Will give Drone Zone a shot and see what they say.

 

[CadrePilot]

Thanks. I have had 107 for a few years so no issue there. Will give Drone Zone a shot and see what they say.

Good luck. I lived in VC several years ago, before I started droning.

 

[Mavy3-CJW]

Confusing... Obviously 0 ft is worthless so why do they even have the LAANC option on that page?

Not entirely worthless. To clarify, the LAANC zero grid area, typically located around airports (although in your specific instance, it's a military restricted area), restricts UAS from entering that space; however, you have the possibility of obtaining a waiver. If you are Part 107 certified, you can apply for a Manual Airspace Authorization Request at FAADroneZone. You have to have a legitimate reason for wanting to fly in a zero grid area and be able to identify safety mitigations, coordination with ATC (if needed), and, of course, the purpose of your mission. Approval can take 30 days(ish). In your particular case, further coordination with Naval CBC Port Hueneme would be necessary. If you are cleared, you will receive a Certificate of Authorization to legally fly in a specific zero-grid area. NOTE: It’s not a blank waiver for all zero grid areas – just the one you've requested access to.