LAANC Tutorial for Recreational Drone Pilots | Airmap or Kittyhawk?

Recreational drone pilots in the U.S. can now fly in restricted airspace by using the LAANC system. This video explains what LAANC is, shows you how to request authorization, and compares the 2 best service providers - Kittyhawk and AirMap.
It is exciting to see that hobbyists can now use this system. We are moving in the right direction!
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Timestamps:
What is LAANC: 2:18
Airmap Tutorial: 4:06
Kittyhawk Tutorial: 6:31
My recommendation: 7:24
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[@richardmiller9752]

Russ, I wrote last week and was impressed . I was in Police work for 35 years and attended the Michigan State Police academy. I retired second in command under the top person. Other words if things went well the boss took the credit and if things went bad it was my fault. I am no here to give you a preview of my life but one thing I have learned is navigating a person and have a pretty good ideal what your ultimate goal is. Unless you prove me wrong, you have impressed me as I honesty can say you have nothing but to inform the public on the updates and everything needs to for us to know. I have never wrote anything like this but I am pretty much straight forward and I believe you should be recognized for outstanding public service for nothing more than the satisfaction of helping people. You should be proud of what you have done, the research you have reviewed and I am going to let my fellow officers know as they are looking into drones and invite you to talk to a group of law enforcement officers on the do's and don't, I have a Mavic Pro and a Autel Evo, Mavic had a little over a year and the Evo just under a year, Strictly recreation, I can fly and return home, take pictures and video but you will not see me do a Movie production. I truly enjoy listening to you and felt you should be honored for your efforts in making drone flying as safe as possible, Richard Miller Retired Police Captain State of Michigan 48622

[@51Drones]

Wow! Thanks so much sir! And thank you for your service!

[@bigeyetuna6228]

Pipe it cap!!!

[@steveevers6668]

Well said Richard, very well said. And thank you for your faithful service to the people, blessings!

[@CyclonusEX]

I agree, 51Drones is my go to source for Drone info! Thank you officer for your service and thank you 51Drones for this channel!

[@PatrickWilliamsAZ]

I'm a Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor in the Phoenix Valley of the Sun. Recently I obtained my Part 107 Drone Operator Certificate so I can teach future Drone Pilots. I find videos like this very informative. I will be recommending you and your videos to my students.

[@exefile6299]

I just ordered my first drone ever, and it's supposed to be here in a couple of days, then I started watching this videos of all the rules and regulations end all, and now I'm little bit concerned that I won't be able to enjoy this hobby as I was expecting, anyway this channel is super helpful, thank you.

[@joshuaravel]

I don’t know why but as a beginner I really feel this is the only channel I need to watch .... Russ you’re doing an amazing job at being such an amazing advisor and tutor for beginners like me... I had my drone for almost four months before I watched your channel and now I’m trying to fly everyday for a few minutes and I’m learning only ... I mean only through your channel... I tried to watch some other channels but felt it was nothing but a waste of time.. long story short... I love the way you make things so simple to understand and not go all tech talk and confuse the viewers ... thanks a ton!

[@aloeisthestuff9622]

Sounds like you're asking for a date.

[@pzodman500]

Excellent tutorial, clearly made sense. Thumbs up

[@jabtrade]

I bought a Mavic Air II and I've been flying for about a month. I have Kittyhawk and I live in a 200ft restricted zone. No problems and i don't expect any. Do the right thing and we'll all have a good time and keep our good name of - Responsible! I request a LAANC before every flight and it's approved immediately. I subscribed - You have outstanding information for us newbies!!

[@Just_a_normal_guy11]

I follow your channel for long and always find some helpful information. Thanks for encouragement. I just purchased one and LIKE to fly but SCARE to fly. So many rules. There is on youtuber I ended up by mistake and make me scare to fly. That channel has more scary and negative content then positive.

[@usasenthil]

excellent video . while watching your video i configured and got FAA authorization instantly .. Good video Sir . Thanks for your time

[@SimplyBrilliant65]

Very good job Russ, very useful video, specially for foreign people like me who love to spend his holidays en USA. Regards from Spain

[@DalyTek12]

I would just like to say thank you for this video. I have been trying to understand this approval process, and you broke it down to my dummy level.

[@timjackson7343]

Wow... Very impressed with all the info you provided. Just got my first drone and I had NO idea about all the requirements. Thank you!!!

[@bwoo404]

Really appreciate your explanation of FAA rules and these helpful apps for flying in restricted airspace. I've had a drone for 2 years now but haven't flown much due to not knowing ALL the FAA rules and changes. Thank you for these brief but informative videos. Some other channels "drone" on about miscellaneous BS before getting to the main topic. I don't have time to listen for an hour to get the 3 minutes of information I need to fly. So thanks for being concise and informative. Keep up the channel.

[@Foxy-rj8yw]

Greetings from Fargo, ND. Nice to see a fellow North Dakotan.

[@mikehays6526]

Have used Kittyhawk several times easy to use

[@jacksonrcaviation]

Good information, we started using the apps a couple months ago

[@snuwan]

Well, I hope DJI will incorporate this LAANC system to their app.

[@51Drones]

Agreed

[@brian_zx6r]

Dji can connect to AirMap by Bluetooth now

[@corynardin]

So you only need laanc when you want to fly in restricted airspace?

[@noelnajera9993]

Excellent tutorials and explanations. I have my Part 107 license for work in my job as a homeowners insurance adjuster. I also enjoy my recreational time for personal drone use and fixed wing hobby aircraft. I am a proponent of enjoying this great hobby and doing things right so that others are safe and respect ‘the rules of engagement’.

[@dennisclark8766]

Very informative video, thanks.

[@gooberminther3tik25]

Very useful/Informative. Thanks

[@jamesgruhn-n0dfi647]

Great info as always Russ. I haven’t flown in my own neighborhood for months but now I won’t have to call the tower get authorization and can enjoy my Mavic more often.

[@jsinnott5952]

as a new drone owner your channel is my go to... thank you so much

[@njphotoman]

This video has been immensely helpful in getting me prepared to fly my Mavic Mini for the first time. Initially I was concerned because my home location showed up within the bubble of a military installation heliport area. But, I've since spoken to the person in charge of drone restrictions, and have received the clearance to fly anywhere except within the closer proximity of the base. I have now added both apps you review here to my phone and will plan on using them once the weather permits me to fly. Truly appreciate your knowledge and advice!

[@jeraldkonkel]

I started using Airmap, combined with B4UFly, and UAV forecast.

[@Leonardokite]

This is probably the most important piece of information I have obtained for drone flying and keeping out of trouble, while at the same time being able to fly and places that before I really shouldn't have been so to speak. Thank you so very much for this information. I will check out the apps and I'm sure nearly 2 years later that there much much better.

[@jonnylakewood7767]

Thanks for the news; new stuff here. I see 9 thumbs down. That makes me wonder if people give a thumbs down because they don't like the new information or don't like the way it was presented. I don't see how it can be the latter.

[@51Drones]

Can't please everyone. The ratio is one of my best ever, so I focus on that. 😁

[@johncarold]

Thanks a lot ! I just fly 2in to 4in. But I do have 2 - 5in for fun 1 is a basher and the other is a full out racer , but I still need to register the 5in ones. But I still don't know if I can or can't register the Ragging Droner 6s it go's over 99 + mph. But I purchased a mini from Joshua Bardwell and I found out that I'm 500 ft in the glide path of the airport and I couldn't fly even with the AIRMAP but the KITTY HAWK works perfectly and I was finally able to record my house finally. Thanks again for everything.

[@hendricksfamilyny]

This is much appreciated. I realize it's a year old but what you described at the beginning really encapsulates why I haven't been droning as much. I've had KH & Airmap for a while but haven't gotten into them. Well I guess I need to step it up. Thanks for the descriptions and advice.

[@rich_traveler3657]

As always Russ, thank you. Your videos are ultra informative and I will definitely have to give Kitty Hawk a try.

[@depellerinluc]

Good video, thanks for sharing. Buddy uh mine lives right next to O'Hare an his neighbors would RETCH if they ever saw him flying in his backyard. Nevermind what they don't know, there'd be a buttload of 9-1-1 calls on him in minutes.

[@mikerinaldi5234]

Great job at explaining authorization process. Love this channel! Very helpful!

[@KanHazKat]

Love that someone is sharing the rules and regulations. Thank you for that! I have two questions about it. 1: Do we only have to request permission to fly if it is a restricted zone? 2: Do we need to request permission if the drone + battery total weight is below the 250g minimum?

[@51Drones]

Thanks! #1. That's correct #2. No, those are exempt.

[@ddegn]

Thanks to both of you for the questions and answers. I was wondering the same thing.

[@woodfinchcrafts7267]

@@51Drones Under 250g is only exempt from FAA registration. Everything else does not change.

[@Vashtstamped]

All drones have to request permission no matter the size. Your only don't have to get it registered by the FAA under the weight. These are airports that you are flying around with live planes.

[@michaelkeely2621]

@@woodfinchcrafts7267 ”everything else" ..... As in.....??

[@phildevore4543]

Thanks for the information.

[@oldmanonthehill8661]

Thanks Russ , You and Ken got me started in this great hobby.

[@bvaldes8791]

Thank you Russ awesome information personally I use AirMap it’s been a great App so far.

[@userbosco]

Great vid, really helpful...been a kitty hawk user for about a year now, so easy! Where we live, it's critical (military restrictions)

[@WhySoLoud]

What do they charge you monthly to use their service? The terms of service says there is money involved but doesn't say how much.

[@chasingit2262]

Awesome video!

[@michaelgilbert4005]

Awesome job Russ! Thanks for taking the time to research this and sharing your findings with us.

[@ejones3266]

Thank you so much for all the important information you share. Your time and efforts are highly appreciated.

[@jbarnes1960]

Great job!! Thank you for your channel

[@jmurg42]

Great job producing this video. Thank you for being a content creator and best of luck with the channel!

[@mikehays6526]

Good video RUSS just bought my first drone MAVIC MINI have been studying for my FAA PART 107 have watch a lot of your videos that u have made and good job on 100,000 sub

[@helencogan2187]

NEW SUB....Thanks for your channel!!!

[@huevitopipihead]

Good job, Ross

[@RonaldBrown59]

Great video Russ, I'm going to give both apps a try.

[@kennyfoss8389]

Russ, just a moment ago I tried AIRMAP and it worked, but I requested with my tablet and received the authorization code on my smartphone. I did get the authorization after I enter a lower altitude from my original request of150 ft down to 100 ft. So AIRMAP worked in this case. By the way, this flight was to be at my home just inside a class C airport. Thanks for the video.

[@51Drones]

Glad you figured it out!

[@TheColonelJJ]

Russ! You are on your game dude! Video, audio, content... wow! It has been a pleasure to watch you since your first days! Keep it up!

[@51Drones]

Thank so much John! I'm loving it, and trying to keep a balance between work, family and KZbin.

[@djl61]

Good job!!! It's great that LAANC is now available to the recreational drone flyers.

[@ericscott7720]

love the stool

[@charlesnash6325]

Very informative.

[@jsinnott5952]

really nice stool !!

[@sbf11]

I have always liked Airmap, but now seeing Kittyhawk I will give it a try. Thanks!

[@BRP42]

Thanks Russ. Very helpful!

[@Iwilldestroyyoo]

Thank you for making this video, it’s so helpful, I downloaded this video on my phone so I can show it to folks who question when and where I’m flying. I’ve already educated a couple people that were questioning the rules, one was a cop! But, now they know the real rules! Merry Christmas!

[@mytige20V]

Very informative video about Airmap and Kittyhawk Well done Russ.👍

[@strophotoandvideo3365]

Thank you for the great video! As always very helpful!

[@ndcapper]

I thought you sounded like a fellow North Dakota boy. Your videos are always informational. Thanks!

[@Mr40tt]

Thank You! Captain Carpman

[@FaceBoydFamily]

Hi Russ, Always enjoy your videos, they're practical and you get to the point quickly. I was surprised I wasn't already subscribed, so did so today. Regarding the B4UFLY app, I agree, it's much improved. I did note a problem. It told me it was OK to fly along the Pacific coast in an area that's restricted by NOAA. So, hopefully Kittyhawk will add those and similar areas into their apps as time passes.

[@alan.macrae]

Russ, always look forward to getting an email saying you've posted a new video and, this was not exception. Thank you for all the information you provide.

[@warrenhowe6634]

Thanks a ton for the information! I use both the Airmap and B4UFly (updated) apps whenever I plan to use my drone. I am also glad that Kittyhawk updated the B4UFly app; that overhaul was WAAAY overdue!

[@wydrone3854]

I just found this little gem. Great info!!!

[@bmetoxen]

Very helpful! Excellent!

[@rmpic]

Great information. Love your videos.

[@BillTheDroneReviewer]

Russ you do great reviews but truly excel at the rules aspect of drones ! Thank you for your due diligence and deep dive into something that will benefit all of us. Two thumbs up 👍👍😎😎

[@JakeSloan]

Rule stool. I love it. Great video as always!!

[@MrBenw72]

Great video, thank you for keeping us informed.

[@CGAZ66]

Nice information thankyou. Air map seems simpler to use than kitty hawk ,but I will have to compare myself.

[@WadeThruTheWorld]

Your Videos are on point as always! Thanks again.

[@timhutchinson3264]

Finally...a clear & thorough explanation of AirMap and Kittyhawk! I've been looking all around for this. Thank you!

[@04yellowjacket]

Thank you so much, such a great video for me a newb to drone flying.

[@boricuaaereo5923]

Good job! very well explained in a short time. 👍🏻

[@rickking6234]

Thanks Russ for the great explanation. Keep the videos coming .

[@michaelmatthews6421]

Awesome info as usual!

[@Mr19james66]

Amazing job. Great info video. Thanks for all you do for the drone community

[@philanderson1200]

I’ve only used AirMap. I live in a town with less than 40,000 in population and just outside the 5 mile radius of the airport. Thanks for the info Russ

[@WilsonNau]

Great video. Good and very useful information as always. Both apps are fascinating. Thank you very much.

[@Glenrsi]

Thank heavens where i am there are only basic rules. I abide by whatever rules there are. Also you only need a licence for a drone that weighs over 1kg (2.20462 lbs). Interesting information, never the less.

[@mintforeverphotographyandv4731]

Thanks for that comparison! Very helpful. I've actually been using both apps just because they show different restrictions. Both seem to be improving greatly recently.

[@jimnorton2357]

Good stuff buddy. I love your delivery. Thank you

[@DroneUpp]

This is a great tutorial! Just used Airmap yesterday and it worked perfectly! Also, I've been waiting for Kittyhawk to allow authorization for hobbyists. I will download and try it again!!! Thumbs Up my friend!

[@zappa1025]

Excellent video. It’s a moot point now, but they took way too long to open LAANC up to hobbyists (107 cert’d here, so not an issue). They should have had it ready to roll out for both sides at the same time. As for the app, I’m a Kittyhawk man all the way. And my interpretation of those areas marked zero, just means that you can’t get auto authorization. You can still submit long form request.

[@noep99]

As always very valuable information, thanks for sharing it

[@johnshaw7107]

Thanks for making to so clear... much appreciated.

[@brucecallahan8908]

Thanks!

[@JeffFoliage]

What I didn't see here was a linkage between the DJI fly app and Kittyhawk. I wanted to fly on winter Island (Salem Massachusetts) lighthouse. This is at the edge of the Beverly Airport class D airspace. So I got to my location and started the Kittyhawk app. I created an account and I got approved but I never saw a map to set boundaries or any of that. Once I saw that I had approval, I closed that down and started my DJI fly app. I went to take off and it stopped saying it was Class D space and required LAANC approval. IN THE DJI APP It ran me through similar questions to Kittyhawk and said I was approved and cleared to fly. At no time was I shown a map to layout my route or flight area. I flew twice for about 10 min each (caught a great full moon coming up and the lighthouse but that is another story) In one reply below they said they wished LAANC was built into the DJI app... Was I deluded and dreamed that the DJI fly app did my LAANC app... I have a thousand other questions but will save them for another time. (I have subscribed and liked... thanks)

[@stans6582]

GOOD REVIEW..........THANKS

[@timdks]

Thanks Russ for this information. I've used AirMap for a long time and used to use Kittyhawk, but now I'm going to revisit that decision. Haven't had to try out the LAANC response, but I know it's coming soon.

[@MarkSDCA]

A good video on the Aloft ap would be helpful. Explain the legend... sometimes the colors are so close I have to turn functions off and look at what was affected.

[@javierrios6337]

Thanks for sharing the rules. Really go to you for updates on drones as I become a more skilled pilot! Keep at it @51drones

[@SilasoftheLamb]

Awesome! Thank you Russ on this video! I just gotta pick one. Lol. Cheers!

[@wwaldok]

Very good & enlightening, Thanks!

[@BrianKushner]

Using Kittyhawk with GREAT SUCCESS!!!

[@WhySoLoud]

What's it cost?

[@yiluca]

Thanks for sharing

[@joeunfiltered2920]

Great info. Thank you for uploading the video.

[@Drones-A-Way.]

Thanks

[@unclemarky3]

holaaa realmente buen video espero que prosigan haciendo este contenido!!! Voy a seguir mirando sus creaciones. Les mando un beso chau ❤️👍🏽

[@SebastianMoreno82]

Great video, very informational, its just annoying that even though the FAA is taking steps to make flying more manageable and fair for everyone to be able to fly, it is ultimately the ground level authorities which restrict it even though the airspace is ok to fly on. but hopefuly one day.

[@Vashtstamped]

They can only restrict your take off and landing, FAA controls the air.

[@richmccay-read6389]

👍 I subscribed and liked.

[@CrystalClearNM]

So glad I found this, thank you!

[@thatdrewguy2007]

Very informative! Thank you!👍