LAANC Tutorial for Recreational Drone Pilots | Airmap or Kittyhawk?

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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’.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@usasenthil]

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

[@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?

[@Foxy-rj8yw]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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. 😁

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.....??

[@rich_traveler3657]

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

[@michaelgilbert4005]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@pzodman500]

Excellent tutorial, clearly made sense. Thumbs up

[@jsinnott5952]

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

[@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.

[@mikerinaldi5234]

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

[@oldmanonthehill8661]

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

[@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.

[@bvaldes8791]

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

[@jmurg42]

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

[@mikehays6526]

Have used Kittyhawk several times easy to use

[@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.

[@jacksonrcaviation]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@ejones3266]

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

[@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!

[@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)

[@jeraldkonkel]

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

[@djl61]

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

[@ndcapper]

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

[@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 👍👍😎😎

[@chromedome5688]

So should I use air map to see the small red zones the temporary no flights and parks and then use kitty hawk to gain authorization I like kitty hawks approval system better

[@timhutchinson3264]

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

[@RonaldBrown59]

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

[@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.

[@CGAZ66]

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

[@themadgreek]

Hey Russ, great tutorial on both systems. I'm in the construction business and of course we (our clients) like photos of our projects during different phases of construction. Judging by a couple of your vlogs, you've also shown an interest in documenting the construction of a medical park (DJI Waypoints 2.0 In-Depth Tutorial). I am Part 107 certified and follow all the rules associated with the UAV industry, so my question is this. We are erecting a performing arts center at a high school in Southern Calif. Airmap clearly states I'm in Class C airspace (obvious from SkyVector sectional chart I reviewed) but Airmap also noted there was a 200-ft ceiling in the area I wanted to fly, so I'm expecting approval. I submitted to Airmap for permission several times, each time noting the 200-ft limit...denied each time. I lowered my ceiling to 100-ft...denied. I tried using Kittyhawk, "LAANC UNAVAILABLE." Any other options? Contact the local tower (which happens to be an Air Force Reserve base)? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[@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

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

I know this video is a year old but worth a shot. I’ve downloaded kitty hawk and the DJI app even before my drone gets delivered which should be in a few days. About the only thing good about being home laid up with an injury is I have the time to research this hobby as much as possible even before it begins. So I thank you for being so informative even though they say you should never believe everything on the internet lol. My question to you is this. I live within 3 miles of a not so busy airport. According to Kittyhawk I’m teetering on class G and D. Literally right on the line. G says automatic approval to 400 feet. D says 100. Which is fine considering anything around home would just be for training purposes before I get out in the real world. As far as asking permission through the app.. is this something you shouldn’t make a habit of? In other words, only ask to fly in restricted airspace for special occasions.. or could I ask every day and no one gives a shit. I’d hate to have to leave the area every time I want to hone in my skills. Thanks, You got a new subscriber

[@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.

[@mytige20V]

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

[@sbf11]

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

[@JakeSloan]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@rickking6234]

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

[@huevitopipihead]

Good job, Ross

[@BRP42]

Thanks Russ. Very helpful!

[@strophotoandvideo3365]

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

[@WadeThruTheWorld]

Your Videos are on point as always! Thanks again.

[@Mr19james66]

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

[@bugatti314159]

Still awaiting LAANC in my area. Not sure why it isn't here yet as it's a regional hub and a smaller airport to the south has had it for months. Can't yet legally fly in my own friggin yard!

[@mikeklaene4359]

If your local airport does not have an FAA Control Tower, it may never get LAANC. What does the updated B4UFLY app say?

[@bugatti314159]

@@mikeklaene4359 It's towered. Airmap says, "coming soon". B4UFly says, "unavailable".

[@mikeklaene4359]

@@bugatti314159 Around towered airports the FAA controlled airspace is a circle with a 5 mile radius from the surface up to at least 2500' above ground level (AGL). Before earning my Part 107 license I have had a commercial fixed wing license since 1999.

[@bugatti314159]

@@mikeklaene4359 I know that. Which is why I need LAANC. I'm just inside the border with up to 100 foot clearance available IF it was active here. When I get my 107 I can just file for clearance manually. For now I'm stuck hovering in my house.

[@MrBenw72]

Great video, thank you for keeping us informed.

[@wydrone3854]

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

[@MrPlaneTalk]

Love your videos. 1) Do you still prefer Kitty Hawk as of 11/2019? 2) Below 250g (Mavic Mini) registration of drone not required, BUT.... airspace authorization requirement (and ALL other rules) still exist, correct?

[@51Drones]

I like them both. Mostly use Kittyhawk for authorization. Yes, all rules apply.

[@jimnorton2357]

Good stuff buddy. I love your delivery. Thank you

[@michaelmatthews6421]

Awesome info as usual!

[@BrianKushner]

Using Kittyhawk with GREAT SUCCESS!!!

[@WhySoLoud]

What's it cost?

[@alan.macrae]

Hi Russ, I have question regarding AirMap and also involving night flying. After reading your review of the Lume Cube strobe, I equipped my Mavic 2 Pro with one. Yes, it's certainly bright! Last night I did my first night flight (hobbyist) to shoot a fireworks show. I flew the missing during daylight to make sure there were no problems (drone was over a wooded area, no people below) and then did the night flight a few hours later. All went well and the still photos came out good. I plan to do another shoot like this in a couple of weeks and, since the location of the next shoot is within 1.75 miles of a small local airport, I thought I would practice with AirMap. (The airport and the shoot location are separated by a small ridge so, if an aircraft encountered my drone at >200', they'd have a much bigger problem). AirMap basically said what I just put in parentheses but, as I put in the time of the flight for the future date, it gave me a 'rules violated' alert in red, about flying at night. The submit button is red, instead of green so, needless to say, I didn't submit it. That was the only issue with the flight plan. The flight area I drew, along with the >200' altitude were okay. Can you speak to this? Thanks.

[@51Drones]

Yes, as of now, you won't be able to get approval for night. There will be a night flying course/test available soon. Until then, to be honest, I would just fly without seeking approval. I know that sounds like bad advice from someone who should be encouraging the rules, but you actually CAN fly at night as a hobbyist right now if you are following the guidelines of a CBO like the AMA.

[@alan.macrae]

@@51Drones Thank you sir. That was my plan, especially since it's actually going to be a vertical only flight.

[@04yellowjacket]

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

[@Mr40tt]

Thank You! Captain Carpman

[@bmetoxen]

Very helpful! Excellent!

[@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.

[@Jay-wc4yz]

Great video good information thanks Russ keep up the great work.

[@noep99]

As always very valuable information, thanks for sharing it

[@bcoorough]

Nice job, very helpful.

[@jekpapa]

Question. I just bought a DJI mini 2. A friend thought he was getting Lannc approval when he applied to unlock a geo zone in the DJI fly app. I said I don’t think so. So to be clear, we need FAA approval through KH or AM correct? That means DJI has decided to creat a cluster on their own and force us through hoops we don’t need to jump through in that we also need their approval in app before the thing will fly? Thanks for your videos, Jim

[@bruceedwards7626]

Great presentation. Thanks. I have a few questions: 1. On my Airmap, Groton-New London, Ct, Tweed New Haven, CT and Quonset, RI all show red bars with all altitude restrictions in the grid. The Notification is that clearances will be coming soon. In Kittyhawk, the clearances are there. Why would this be? 2. If you inadvertently fly into a zero altitude zone, will my DJI aircraft auto-land like you stated for a TFR zone? 3. How much variable is there on the zone boundaries regarding the communication between drone and what DJI or the FAA or whoever is monitoring the aircraft? In other words, if I am in a 400ft clearance zone but close to a zero clearance zone, could I suddenly find myself in violation? 4. What happens if you violate a Zone altitude? (See question 3 above) I have a DJI Inspire & a Mavic 2 Pro. Thanks again.

[@bruceedwards7626]

Another question please: What if I am in a 100 ft zone but the building next to me is 350 ft tall. Can I fly legally to 450' AGL? Correction to Question 1 that I posed earlier. Kittyhawk does show 0" clearance on all zones at Groton etc. Thanks.

[@boricuaaereo5923]

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

[@Mr343Turbo]

Do you need to request permission on your own property? I live in a rural area, and have acreage so it made wonder. It sounds like you do no matter where you are. But figured it was worth an ask. I appreciate you taking them time to answer if you indeed get around to this.

[@miichaelhickey]

Russ just a quick question. I think I heard you say that you LAANC all your flights. Is this something that we should all do for proof to the FAA that we are responsible pilots? Even if we are in OPEN air space. I have made a pre-flight checklist that I will start using for all future flights. BTW thanks for all the great info on your channel. I have used others but prefer yours. I am flying, well starting, to fly a Mavic Air 2.

[@scottwerden6815]

What the difference between Kittyhawk and what is on the FAA DroneZone website? I can ask for authorization there and it is free although I did have to register the drone, which cost $5. You can also apply for a waiver there to fly in restricted zones, or so they say.

[@WilsonNau]

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

[@Fiatx192040]

Russ how do I use Airmap from a laptop computer, I do not have a smart phone. Great explanation until I tried filing an application. I cannot tap on the air space to open a menu and proceed as you did on your phone. Some direction or a link would be great. Thanks. TonyK.

[@marklucas3216]

Thanks for the good info and the enjoyable presentation. What are there things to consider when you sell a drone?

[@gooberminther3tik25]

Very useful/Informative. Thanks

[@mrbruns2619]

Question. So in the Kittyhawk app, when I choose a location on the map and brings a green notification. And in the description its yellow with a description of what's around but no option to get authorization, does this indicate I'm good to go just use caution? Love your videos sir, very Informative, to the point and well put together. Thank you, keep up the excellent work.

[@ricardflematti1395]

Downwind/upwind in regards to airport traffic has nothing to do with wind. See AIM manual: airport operation section. 4-2-1 I believe

[@BIGDRONEFLYER77RC]

Awesome information Russ, I didn't know kittyhawk bought out b4uf. I learn something new here, every time. But the only thing is, I'm bummed out about the no catapults. Lol😂 Thanks Russ again for the amazing job my friend.

[@lilmoo2012]

Great video. Quick question. When I use AirMap there are sometimes round circles (outlined in a black line) without any color inside the circle or, when I zoom in there is not any type of fly height limits shown. What are these types of areas? They seem to be over what appears to be normal areas...no airports or parks etc. Thanks and keep posting your videos as there are EXTREMELY informative

[@ShinyTechThings]

How do you get permission in restricted air space say to take a picture of your house but live within 5 Miles of a airport or AFB and they don't support this system?

[@johnshaw7107]

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

[@scjamiewd4]

What does it mean to get a Pre-Check Failed message?? Saying that the planned operation falls outside of controlled airspace. As a recreational flyer, I want to learn as much as I can.

[@nopenope5203]

Would I be allowed to fly within my own private property below 100 feet in any kind of restriction (other then that temporary flight restriction)?

[@justanotheryoutuber5228]

Do whatever you want nobody owns the sky

[@fletchermetcher2314]

Thanks for the videos ! Quick question Flying over people vs people in the shot? For example at the beach, flying over the the sand 100+ feet above ground level, avoiding flying over people but they are still visible in the shot... thanks