How to submit day and night LAANC requests in Aloft

In this video, Greg shows you how to submit the following LAANC requests, using Aloft, formerly known as Kittyhawk (which is similar to AirMap, except better).
- Daytime LAANC request for recreational flyers and Part 107 pilots
- Night LAANC request, which is now available to BOTH recreational pilots and part 107 pilots (after this video was published),
- LAANC requests above the grid, also only available under part 107 (for example flying at 100 feet in a 50-ft grid.
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00:00 Introduction
00:41 Day and Night Time LAANC requests
07:11 LAANC requests higher than UAS Facility Map maximum grid altitude
11:18 Conclusion
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[@gadget_Bob]

I am that student Greg referred to who was getting rejected to fly in a 0 altitude grid - until I noted there was a hospital helipad nearby and I would notify the pilots when I was going to fly. In fact, I had been doing that even before LAANC even came about. The area in question is literally within hundreds of feet from the outside edge of the 5 mile airport radius but was in the flight path for the airport. My mission was to take construction progression photos of an apartment complex and I had to submit daily requests (usually about 3 weeks at a time) for a year and a half because I never knew what day I could go to get photos and what the weather would be. These requests were for 300' and once I noted that I would communicate with the heliport pilots, my requests were approved - sometimes within several days but recently, the next day! I text the helipad pilots (they have a cell phone that they rotate to the pilot on duty) and I have to say, every time I fly and let them know when and where, they are very appreciative. So the process does work.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

I have done similarly, construction progress photography in a zero altitude grid; in the notes I advise using ADS-B IN and listening to the appropriate frequency (approach or departure depending on the pattern that day). I also chose day-of-week and time-of-day with less commercial air traffic.

[@cargobikedavid594]

I hope to gain the faith and confidence of my local tower and to do all the right things to be able to expedite flights and missions in a pretty crowded metropolitan area. I want to be a difference maker! With tons of thanks to Greg and the Pilot Institute, I might someday realize that dream!

[@anthonykufta2197]

Hey where is there a notes section?

[@rob6049]

The FAA has done a great job with LAANC and getting approval to fly in controlled airspace with Aloft is effortless. Now being able to conduct night flights and request flight operations above grid heights is a game changer. Going through drone zone for authorizations was a bit of a pain. Also its great to see more airports participating in LAANC, which is opening up a lot more operational areas for us. Finally after years of waiting, our local AFB is now a LAANC participant so flying in the back yard is going to be awesome.

[@chipferguson5129]

Great video Greg...concise yet very thorough.

[@cargobikedavid594]

Thanks, Gret, to your course and continuing education I was granted by the FAA through the Drone Zone Portal, waiver application, the ability to fly in a zero grid area for MY FIRST COA! I had tried several times using LAANC/Aloft and denied each time. I live in the airspace just south of KOAK and within 5NM of KHWD with varying grids that are 400 right next to zero grids. My drone zone request was diligently attended by an FAA associate who followed up daily with questions about my LAANC requests. In the end, my request was modified (by him or someone) to encompass the parameters that I had originally requested and even granted a longer period of time and days to conduct the mission that I had hoped to conduct! One of the modifications required me to call the local ATC 15 minutes before operations and to report back when I had finished flying. the Tower was super cool and even said to 'have fun'! I am proud to be legit, to be safe and to represent the Pilot Institute! - David

[@filmmaker58]

Thank you for simple and complete instructional video. Excellent information.

[@JohnFSmitheugene]

Nice video with simple procedures well explained. Thanks for the help.

[@luvfoto]

Thanks for another great info packed video.

[@HarlanLimpert]

Excellent explanation of how this app works. Thank you so much!

[@WilzDezignPhotography]

Great walk through for sure!

[@billbishop8915]

Great information Greg!!

[@tonyfontillas4941]

Thank you for providing this information. I tried Aloft and was confused at the process. I am going to try it again and see if it works.

[@edruttledge342]

Thank you for unlocking some of the FAA's procedural mysteries.

[@dronebuzz]

Excellent, Greg! Thank you, sir! T :-)

[@RGMGFitness]

Thanks Greg for the overview. I’m currently waiting myself on an approval from FAA. Bit of a juggling act though trying to coordinate dates/times with clients when you don’t know what weather will be like….so trying to make requests within 2 week period. Crossing fingers. 😎

[@parkcitydrone2247]

It would be good to see the process for how you plug your authorization into DJI Fly....found your other video. Thanks much.

[@MZ3Pappy]

thx! great info - clear concise - on point!

[@gilesshine3917]

Great video. I just wish the airport causing the Class D airspace where I want to fly supported LAANC. :)

[@ITowYoAss]

Thanks for the info Greg. As always your videos are very informative. I do have a question for you though... I know you said that night time flying is only available for part 107 flyers in controlled airspace..... What about if you are not in controlled airspace? Can recreational flyers fly at night? I purchased 2 of the Firehouse Arc V anti-collision lights for my drone already. I also purchased a Firehouse L.A.N.D. device as well (which flashes a light and beeps really loud if the drone is stationary for 4 minutes) which is to help in the recovery efforts should I crash my drone. But im just curious if recreational flyers are allowed to fly at night if they are not in controlled airspace?

[@toottootMA]

One thing to note is that the Android version of the Aloft app doesn't seem to let you push to manually select a starting point on the map yet. Kind of a minor annoying thing that's keeping me on another app for LAANC requests at the moment. That and not being able to switch to a circle for the selected area, which is handy to keep where you have authorization to fly based on horizontal distance from the launch point. Thanks for all that you guys do, really appreciates ya.

[@iceplanet2000]

Click the Map button. It will allow you to select a starting point there.

[@toottootMA]

@@iceplanet2000 Thank you. That's still a couple clicks too much when it could be easier. I know, I'm lazy lol.

[@DougPetersenInspire]

Greg, thanks for the great information. Requesting above the grid altitude via ALOFT seems to take the place of the FAA DroneZone airspace waiver request process. This seems a lot easier. Any thoughts if one process is better than the other? Also, will this new ALOFT feature help with the DJI Unlocking GEO zones?

[@PilotInstitute]

This is indeed a lot easier and this is what I will use from now on instead of the DroneZone! Also, it's an authorization, not waiver (I correct people because the FAA doesn't like to see airspace waiver submitted).

[@that_jason_black]

Also, check DJI Flysafe too. If flying DJI.

[@PilotInstitute]

Yes, great reminder! We have a video for that too!

[@albuquerqueaerialimagery6133]

Greg, I applied for a night flight the other day. I'm outside of any controlled airspace non gridded area. LAANC wouldnt give a approval.So is okay as a 107 to fly? I've done the refresher course. I have lighting that meets requirements. LAANC said I'm outside of controlled airspace. Just want to make sure. Lots of info out there.

[@DevArnold]

Dji authorization tells me its fine to take off at night, just have to click agree on the take off rules in this airspace by airport where I live. Their fault for not being linked with the faa and laanc. For now I’m flying untill otherwise.

[@TheNeuel]

This seems kinda obvious I think but do you have to file a flight plan if you are flying in unrestricted airspace? And could you if you wanted to anyway?

[@gadget_Bob]

Greg - until recently, I was using Skyward for my LAANC requests - usually above the grid limit. This was for construction progression photos, so I submitted tons of requests. With Skyward, I couldn't duplicate a request completely, but I could copy a request and change the date and time, but the justification wouldn't be filled in on the duplicated request, so I would copy/paste it from the original request to the new one. Well, now that Skyward is gone, I'm going to use Aloft. However, I'm seeing 2 issues (1) when you look up a previous request on the app, it doesn't show the justification, so I can't copy/paste. So I tried doing it on the web. However (2) there doesn't seem to even be a way to create a request on the web version and it doesn't even show my past requests - even though I'm logged into my account. Am I missing something?

[@rsawycky]

Very helpful. Had the Aloft app but wasn’t really sure how to use it. What happens if we request for approval in advance and bad weather causes the cancelation of the drone flight. Should we cancel the request in any way? So people don’t have to worry about us being somewhere we are not?

[@PilotInstitute]

No way to cancel but no reason to cancel either.

[@rsawycky]

Good to know. Was worried my approval would effect other people.

[@MagicBiscuitShow]

That's good, but I want to fly in a small area that is in Class D airspace, but the airspace color is Red and not Blue (it is under control of Naval Air Station Jax, with the airport ID of NIP). Although the map shows that I should be able to fly up to 150 feet, I first get a: "LAANC is not available for operations outside" just above where I select an altitude that I want to fly. Then after I select when I want to fly, etc., I get (under Step 3 of 4) "Pre-Check Failed" highlighted in Red, and at the bottom of this info page it says: "LAANC is inactive for the planned operation area. ,,, and that's as far as it goes, except an option to 'edit flight details.' Changing the altitude, time of day or night, or the month makes no difference. Suggestions on what's the problem? Thanks Chuck (N.E. Florida)

[@paulkuroda1706]

My app is not responsive on the iPhone 12 Max Pro. I cannot input address and other fields and map is greyed out and unchangeable.

[@triceburgess1890]

Great video Greg! Just curious if there is a way to cancel the LAANC approval should something come up during your scheduled approval time? That way you clear out the air space for others to fly. Thanks!

[@PilotInstitute]

No way to cancel a LAANC request but it doesn't really matter because it doesn't hurt if you don't fly there, and it doesn't prevent someone else from getting approved in the same area.

[@UpdraftDrones]

There is a way! After you have created your LAANC, it will show up in the list by the class D and UAS facility map. If you select "more" on the LAANC and then select "additional details" from the section that drops down, there is then an option at the bottom of the screen to "cancel request." You can do this at any point before the LAANC expires to close your flight area. I have not tried this with a Part 107 LAANC as of yet, but I imagine it works the same as for recreational. Hope this helps :)

[@FM418]

@@UpdraftDrones Excellent! Thanks for the assistance on this one. Much appreciated.

[@UpdraftDrones]

@@FM418 Happy to help!

[@dronebuzz]

@@UpdraftDrones Hello! Would you explain, "it will show up in the list by the class D and UAS facility map." Which list? Where? In advance, thank you! T :-)

[@davidsobecki1776]

I have the Aloft on my iPhone and tablet. I never see the colored grids. Little help please. Yep I'm one of your students, 45% complete.

[@rhadiem]

Where in the 44809 recreational exception does it restrict night flying for rec pilots? I understand you're telling about what LAANC *does*, but I'm curious if/where rec pilots are restricted in this.

[@robcarlson]

I have the same question.

[@rhadiem]

@@robcarlson honestly 44809 / community safety needs to be expanded to allow no-spotter fpv flying under 100 feet and/or 250g.

[@PilotInstitute]

It doesn't. It's not a regulation thing, it's a capability thing in the LAANC software (that's at least the way I understand it). There's actually no mention of night in 44809, the restrictions/guidelines for night ops come from whichever CBO you selected.

[@ITowYoAss]

@@PilotInstitute so is it possible for recreational flyers to fly at night in non-controlled airspace? I have everything needed and understand VLOS, but I'd like to be able to fly at night if I'm not in controlled airspace, and I stay below 400 feet, and have the proper equipment on my drone (Anti-Collision Strobes etc).

[@PilotInstitute]

@@ITowYoAss Yes it is, the key here is uncontrolled airspace. As long as you have a 3SM light on it, stay within VLOS, you're good to go.

[@enfamy_OG]

I passed my part 107 test weeks ago. I have not attempted LAANC approval yet. Would you advise against using using it for practice?

[@PilotInstitute]

Go all the way to the last button but don't submit.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

In case you do actually get an authorization, particularly the automatic authorization within the allowed altitude, it is easy to cancel the request.

[@anthonykufta2197]

Has anyone ever did a LAANC request by an airport that says 0. Or am I wasting my time?

[@VictoryAviation]

So this is only on the base level (GND - X) of class B, C, or D? Just out of curiosity, will the FAA ever approve of an altitude above 400’ for shooting areas like Chicago or NYC, etc? (Not in class B, C, or D) for part 107

[@PilotInstitute]

It is only for the base layer of Class B and C (D is always starting at the surface). In some case, if you are inspecting a tall obstacle starting in Class G, and it takes you to B or C, you will need approval too. There is a way to get a waiver to fly over 400 feet but I doubt you will get it to fly in congested areas like Chi or NYC.

[@VictoryAviation]

@@PilotInstitute Tracking on the D only has a ground level. I’m a full scale pilot 😃 After I work a while at not sucking, I’ll have to talk to the FSDO and see what they say. I guess you could always use the part of the regulation that states you can go higher than 400’ as long as it is in proximity to a structure at the same altitude. That being said, I’d want a much heavier drone in order to fight the winds aloft.

[@PilotInstitute]

@@VictoryAviation Remember that the 400' rule in proximity to a structure is only valid when in airspace that doesn't require approval. Otherwise you're stuck with whatever grid number + the ability to submit a special authorization to fly higher, up to 400 feet.

[@VictoryAviation]

​@@PilotInstitute You're 100% right about that! For some dumb reason the extended zone at the ends of airports go out for miles and miles and only allow you to fly ridiculous altitudes like 150' AGL at least in the DJI app. However I'm sitting here looking at my aviation sectional charts, and in the same area of downtown Chicago, you don't hit any controlled airspace until 3,600' MSL. So the BOTTOM of the shelf for that part of the airspace is 3,600'.... and the RNAV approach to RWY 22R at Midway airport has an altitude of 2325' crossing the RNAV point "RUGGO" which is directly over downtown. So essentially the lowest anyone should be flying over downtown Chicago on an approach to Midway is 2,325' MSL, which equates to over 1,700' AGL. Those aren't even the planes you have to worry about in downtown Chicago. The ones you've gotta look out for are general aviation (GA) flying the shoreline.

[@PilotInstitute]

@@VictoryAviation So that's the tricky part. The FAA uses a special grid for airspace authorization (check out this link: faa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9c2e4406710048e19806ebf6a06754ad) while DJI uses Part 77 surfaces for their approval. Two different approvals but the FAA is the only one that matters from a legal standpoint. DJI can be unlocked on their website. Check out this video we made about this topic kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5Kxk6Z4qsmVjas

[@jeremiahulishney5322]

Are you able to setup an account as a recreational pilot and later when you get your part 107 use the same account?

[@PilotInstitute]

Yep! You should be able to add your certificate number when you get your part 107.

[@maze400]

I can't seem to get LAANC approval as a recreational flyer of the DJI Air 2s for battery park NYC? I have been told it's okay but others have said no. Help.....

[@PilotInstitute]

No flying is allowed in NYC. It's an old rule from the city.

[@tigerwittman]

Do you need approval in the white areas on the map?

[@PilotInstitute]

No. You can fly there until 400 feet AGL without approval.

[@BlueDroneBlues]

Question: I used ALOFT to request permission to fly my Air 2s in South, Reno near the airport. I got permission and wasn't allowed to fly any higher than 200ft AGL. Later I checked I have no flight record with Aloft when I left it on, while using DJI to do my flight. How do I get Aloft to keep a record or know I am actually flying while using DJI software? Thanks.

[@PilotInstitute]

You don't need to link those two together. ALoft will give you approval to fly, after that everything happens from the DJI app.

[@BlueDroneBlues]

@@PilotInstitute Thank you kindly for the reply!

[@harrisongould9460]

I'm getting ready to 'learn/implement' the LAANC authorization process. My question is, "How do I cancel a flight I was approved for?" Is this process clearly written on the Aloft App? Thanks so much.

[@PilotInstitute]

You can't cancel a LAANC request. It doesn't hurt for it to be there so just leave it even if you don't plan on using it.

[@harrisongould9460]

@@PilotInstitute Thanks for getting back. I figured you could cancel an IFR flight plan… It just seem logical you could cancel a LAANC request. Later today I’m going to try my first LAANC flight.

[@jameshumphries7890]

aloft laanc app cant give me the ok top fly cause im going to fly outside of there air space, no air ports near me. what to do now? where do i get the ok to fly my mini2?

[@PilotInstitute]

If you're not near airports, you probably don't need approval. Go fly!

[@chrisw8725]

If you get a Part 107, when it asks if your flying for recreational purposes or part 107, do you still check 107 because you hold that license even thought your just flying for fun?

[@PilotInstitute]

As a part 107 holder, you can either follow the recreational rules (49 USC 44809) or part 107 rules. You pick.

[@bernelnery2191]

Is it me or am I missing something. I go the approval in FAA and ALOFT etc sent me the approval. This tutorial does not show how to enable this in DJI MAVIC MINI 2. I still have the restriction in my DJI FLY.

[@PilotInstitute]

Watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5Kxk6Z4qsmVjas

[@Imgonnabeasailoryall]

Where the heck is the button to request authorization?????

[@locfilms]

Do you need LAANC approval, at night, in non controlled airspace as a Part 107 pilot?

[@PilotInstitute]

No, LAANC is only for controlled airspace.

[@locfilms]

@@PilotInstitute Thanks for the speedy reply. Love the videos and thanks for the stickers.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

When we submit a request to fly higher than the grid altitude that request will be reviewed by a real person, correct? If so, I'm thinking we shouldn't burden that person with incorrect requests or some strategy like sending 10 requests for each of the next 10 days to see which one gets approved. We might irritate that person and/or give ourselves a bad reputation and have a more difficult time getting approved for this request and requests in the future.

[@PilotInstitute]

That's correct, it's reviewed by a real person. But if they see the same request for several days in a row for the same spot, it might be easier for them to approve.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

@@PilotInstitute Okay, I understand. I was thinking that if somebody wanted to fly ASAP they might submit a request for 2 weeks out then and also for 13 days, 12 days, 11 days, 10 days, etc and this might irritate the person receiving the requests. On the other hand somebody might have work to do everyday and really need to submit a request for every day so I guess the person receiving them shouldn't think that the applicant is doing anything wrong. Thanks for responding!

[@FascinatingFantasies]

How long would you say this process takes on average?

[@PilotInstitute]

Only a few minutes.

[@newmedia2335]

Can you fly at night with TRUST in an class G airspace?

[@PilotInstitute]

Yes. And with a light on your drone visible from 3SM.

[@Gman7007]

No one in these videos ever follows thru with flight. I got approved for zone but my controller keeps disconnecting does anyone no why

[@PilotInstitute]

There should be nothing else to do as far as flying.

[@niklasbrazie201]

What do I do if I get an error message that says “LAANC is inactive for the planned operation area”

[@PilotInstitute]

Is it near an airport? Or is it just in the middle of nowhere, aka there’s no need for LAANC.

[@niklasbrazie201]

@@PilotInstitute it’s near a class e2 airport

[@Gman7007]

What do I do with the number I was texted with the approval

[@PilotInstitute]

Nothing, it’s just proof you got approval.

[@beeker3]

1 minute in, you say recreational flyers can NOT fly at night. I have an email from you that says recreational flyers can fly at night. Which is it???????????????

[@PilotInstitute]

*Edited*. Rec flyers can fly at night in uncontrolled airspace only at the moment.

[@beeker3]

@@PilotInstitute I just tried ALOFT and Airmap. Both require I select eith FAA-107 or Recreational 44809. I am recreational and both apps warn that I can not fly at night!!

[@PilotInstitute]

@@beeker3 Sorry, brain fart, you can fly at night as a recreational flyer in UNCONTROLLED airspace but you still CAN'T fly at night as a recreational flyer in CONTROLLED airspace (LAANC airspace).

[@wintersoldier4335]

I was messing with stupid Airmap and nothing nothing nothing!!!! Got Aloft after watching this and boom!!!!! Auto approval and a pending approval for 0 ceiling flying!!! TY!!! Still wouldnt let me fly after 2129hrs? Why I am a 107 holder dont understand that one want some local city night pics!?? Greg any thoughts?

[@hgodtx]

Can I request to fly in controlled airspace during twilight hours as recreational?

[@Imgonnabeasailoryall]

I want b4ufly back!!!!!!!

[@ShawnSlapsDaBass]

App is outdated...

[@PilotInstitute]

Download Aloft Air Control, that's the latest app.