DOT Audits FAA Role In Drone Authorizations

Quoted from below:

“LAANC is a technological solution that helps us safely integrate
drones into our airspace,” said Elwell. “It gives our air traffic
controllers visibility into where and when authorized drones are
flying near airports so they can have more flexibility to plan
flight operations.”

[...]

"LAANC automates the application and approval process for airspace
authorizations. Through automated applications developed by an FAA
Approved UAS Service Suppliers (USS) pilots apply for an airspace
authorization.

Requests are checked against airspace data in the FAA UAS Data
Exchange such as temporary flight restrictions, NOTAMS and the UAS
Facility Maps. If approved, pilots receive their authorization in
near-real time.

LAANC also provides FAA's Air Traffic visibility into where and
when planned drone operations will take place."




If the technology employed to enable the LAANC system is space-based,
i.e. orbiting satellite, it will be vulnerable to radio-link outages
from many sources, not to mention being overpowered and disrupted by
higher power transmitters. .

--------------------------------------------

https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/new...-231834-1.html

DOT Audits FAA Role In Drone Authorizations

By Kate O'Connor | November 9, 2018

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Inspector
General has announced that it will be conducting an audit of the FAA’s
role in authorizing Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS/drone) flights
within the National Airspace System. The audit will focus on the
impact of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
(LAANC) system, which provides near real-time processing of airspace
authorizations for drones below approved altitudes, and the FAA’s
procedures for coordinating and communicating UAS airspace approvals
and notifications.

“The continuing growth of Unmanned Aircraft Systems within the
National Airspace System presents challenges for the Federal Aviation
Administration in maintaining the world’s safest aviation system while
fostering innovation,” the Inspector General’s Office said in its
audit announcement https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/36886 . “Given
the significant safety implications associated with integrating UAS
operations throughout the NAS, we are initiating an audit assessing
FAA’s role in authorizing small UAS operations.”

The LAANC program completed its phased nationwide rollout
https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/new...-231547-1.html
in September. It is now active at nearly 300 air traffic facilities
and provides service for approximately 500 airports. According to the
Office of Inspector General, the FAA had processed more than 22,000
airspace requests through LAANC as of August 2018, along with 1.1
million UAS registrations for commercial operators and hobbyists since
December 2015. The audit is expected to begin this November.

---------------------------------------------------------
https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/36886

New Audit Announcements

November 8, 2018

Audit Initiated of FAA’s Role in Authorizing Small UAS Operators in
the National Airspace System
Self-Initiated
Project ID: 19A3001A000
View PDF Document

The continuing growth of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) within the
National Airspace System (NAS) presents challenges for the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) in maintaining the world’s safest
aviation system while fostering innovation. To help speed up UAS
airspace authorizations, FAA has implemented an automated system in
partnership with industry called the Low Altitude Authorization and
Notification Capability (LAANC), which provides near real-time
processing of airspace authorizations below approved altitudes. As of
August 2018, FAA processed over 22,000 airspace requests through
LAANC.

There are significant safety implications associated with ensuring
safe UAS operations throughout the NAS. Accordingly, the objectives
for this self-initiated audit are to assess: (1) the impact of LAANC
on FAA’s review and approval of UAS airspace; and (2) FAA’s procedures
for coordinating and communicating UAS airspace approvals and
notifications between airports, FAA air traffic facilities, LAANC
service suppliers, and UAS operators.


Related Library Items
11.07.2018
Opportunities Exist for FAA To Strengthen Its Review and Oversight
Processes for Unmanned Aircraft System Waivers

02.27.2018
Perspectives on Maintaining Safety and Enhancing Oversight of a
Diverse and Complex Aviation Industry

04.11.2017
Audit Initiated of FAA’s Approval and Oversight Processes for Unmanned
Aircraft System Waivers

12.01.2016
FAA Lacks a Risk-Based Oversight Process for Civil Unmanned Aircraft
Systems

08.20.2015
Audit Initiated of FAA's Approval and Oversight Processes for Civil
Unmanned Aircraft Systems

12.10.2014
FAA's Progress and Challenges in Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems
into the National Airspace System

06.26.2014
FAA Faces Significant Barriers To Safely Integrate Unmanned Aircraft
Systems Into the National Airspace System

10.22.2012
Audit Initiated of FAA's Oversight of Unmanned Aircraft Systems


--------------------------------------------------------
https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/new...-231547-1.html

Final LAANC Installment Goes Live

By Kate O'Connor | September 18, 2018

The last piece of the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and
Notification Capability (LAANC) system, which allows “near real-time
processing of airspace authorizations” for drone operators, went live
last week, according to a statement made by FAA Acting Administrator
Dan Elwell. LAANC was rolled out incrementally by region, beginning
with the south central U.S. at the end of April and finishing with the
north central region on Sept. 13.

“LAANC is a technological solution that helps us safely integrate
drones into our airspace,” said Elwell. “It gives our air traffic
controllers visibility into where and when authorized drones are
flying near airports so they can have more flexibility to plan flight
operations.”

According to the FAA, LAANC will be beta tested nationwide through the
rest of 2018. The system now covers 288 ATC facilities and 470
airports across the country and is designed to streamline the approval
process for routine Part 107 drone flights below approved altitudes in
controlled airspace and to help integrate drones into the national
airspace system. LAANC services are provided by private contractors.
-------------------------------------------------------

https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_par...data_exchange/



FAA UAS Data Exchange

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LAANC ConnectedThe FAA UAS Data Exchange is an innovative,
collaborative approach between government and private industry
facilitating the sharing of airspace data between the two parties.

Under the FAA UAS Data Exchange umbrella, the agency will support
multiple partnerships, the first of which is the Low Altitude
Authorization and Notification Capability.
What is LAANC?

LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a
collaboration between FAA and Industry. It directly supports UAS
integration into the airspace.

It provides access to controlled airspace near airports through near
real-time processing of airspace authorizations below approved
altitudes in controlled airspace.

This is a modal window.

The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network
failed or because the format is not supported.

How does it work?

LAANC automates the application and approval process for airspace
authorizations. Through automated applications developed by an FAA
Approved UAS Service Suppliers (USS) pilots apply for an airspace
authorization.

Requests are checked against airspace data in the FAA UAS Data
Exchange such as temporary flight restrictions, NOTAMS and the UAS
Facility Maps. If approved, pilots receive their authorization in
near-real time.

LAANC also provides FAA's Air Traffic visibility into where and when
planned drone operations will take place.
When is LAANC coming to me?

The National Beta test of LAANC commenced on April 30, 2018 and will
last throughout 2018. The beta seeks to test the capability
nationwide; the results will inform future expansions of the
capability.

LAANC will deploy in waves regionally. By September 2018, LAANC will
be available at nearly 300 air traffic facilities covering
approximately 500 airports.

illustration of LAANC Rollout Animation

Wave 1 April 30, 2018
South Central USA

Wave 2 May 24, 2018
Western North USA

Wave 3 June 21, 2018
Western South USA

Wave 4 July 19, 2018
Eastern South USA

Wave 5 August 16, 2018
Eastern North USA

Wave 6 September 13, 2018
Central North USA

If you want to fly in controlled airspace near airports not offering
LAANC, you can either use the manual process to apply for an
authorization, or wait until the LAANC is available.

Note: LAANC also remains available at the airports that took part in
the 2017 prototype evaluation.
Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers

The following companies have completed the technical steps required
and entered into agreement with the FAA to provide LAANC Services:

Aeronyde
Airbus
AirMap
AiRXOS
Altitude Angel
Converge
DJI
Harris Corporation
Kittyhawk
Project Wing
Skyward
Thales Group
UASidekick
Unifly

This list will be updated as additional partners are approved.

Note: Reference in this site to any specific commercial product,
process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name
is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not
constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Federal
Aviation Administration.
How does LAANC benefit me – The drone pilot?

Under the small UAS rule, pilots or operators planning to fly in
controlled airspace under 400 ft. must receive an airspace
authorization from the FAA.

LAANC dramatically decreases the wait time experienced with the manual
authorization process and provides greater flexibility in operational
planning.

Through LAANC pilots and drone companies can:

Apply to receive a near real-time authorization for operations
under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports.
Request to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS
Facility Map, up to 400 feet. Applicants may apply up to 90 days in
advance of a flight and the approval is coordinated manually through
the FAA.

Note: If you are planning an operation in controlled airspace that
requires a waiver AND an airspace authorization you must apply for
both through the Drone Zone.
Quick Links

UAS Facility Maps
All UAS Facility Maps and grids
An example UAS Facility Map (PDF)
List of airports and air traffic control facilities that
participated in the Fall 2017 prototype evaluation
Full list of all airports participating in LAANC

Page last modified: October 19, 2018 9:59:45 AM EDT
-----------------------------------------------------------------

https://skyward.io/laanc/

Skyward is an FAA-approved airspace vendor

LAANC Resources

LAANC Airspace View in SkywardThe LAANC Rollout Schedule for 500+ U.S.
UAS Facilities

We waded through FAA spreadsheets to show you when every UAS facility
will be live for LAANC access in 2018.

LAANC Airspace View in SkywardHow to Access LAANC Airspace in Skyward
On Halloween, Skyward released LAANC access to the first 45 airports
included in the FAA’s beta test.

LAANC Airspace View in Skyward - Notice of Intended UseSkyward User
Guide – Accessing LAANC

User instructions for accessing LAANC Airspace in Skyward.
question mark - LAANC Airspace FAQs with SkywardFAQ: Skyward and LAANC
Straight-forward answers to your pressing LAANC questions.

LAANC Airspace Informational Webinar bannerWebinar: Instant Access to
Controlled Airspace: Skyward and LAANC
In this webinar, we’ll show you how we’re simplifying the process and
what the outlook is for the coming months.

LAANC Airspace View in SkywardSkyward Is an FAA-Approved LAANC
Airspace Vendor
Skyward helped the FAA develop this capability in order to give our
customers wider access to essential airspace.
Airspace LAANCQ&A: How Skyward Is Working with the FAA on LAANC
As one of 12 members of the LAANC working group, Skyward is helping to
develop this capability as an essential method to help our customers
operate efficiently and safely.
LAANC Airspace View in Skyward - How to VideoVideo – How to Access
LAANC in Skyward
75-second video shows you how to quickly access controlled airspace in
Skyward.
SunPower's drone crew used Skyward to access LAANC airspaceToday,
LAANC; Tomorrow, UTM
SunPower Corp. beta tested LAANC access via Skyward and performed a
flight in San Jose Class C Airspace.
LAANC Airspace View in SkywardUSA: FAA UAS Facility Maps and LAANC
We’ll post FAA UAS Facility Maps and the FAA’s Low Altitude
Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) here as soon as
they’re published by the FAA
LAANC Airspace View in SkywardFAA Will Open More Airspace for UAS Ops
LAANC will allow operations in controlled airspace through preselected
airspace volumes that currently require waivers.
LAANC Airspace View in SkywardSole Proprietors Can Access LAANC with a
Free Pilot Account
Due to popular demand, Skyward is providing LAANC functionality to
every subscription tier,
including our free Pilot Account.
LAANC & Part 107 FAA Links

FAA Facilities Participating in LAANC (FAA website)
FAA UAS Data Exchange (FAA website)
Part 107 Summary (PDF)
How to use Part 107 (Advisory Circular 107-2) (PDF)
Part 107 Fact Sheet (PDF)
Complete Text of the Small UAS Rule (PDF)
How Part 107 waivers and controlled airspace request system will
work (PDF)
------------------------------------------------------------

https://support.airmap.com/hc/en-us/...n-with-AirMap-


How do I get Automated Authorization with AirMap?


AirMap is an approved LAANC UAS Service Supplier for a safer and more
efficient way to operate drones in U.S. controlled airspace Class B,
C, D and surface E. Part 107 operators using the AirMap mobile app
(iOS/Android) can apply for Authorization at the listed facilities:
LAANC Enabled






To submit a digital request for Authorization, complete the following
steps:



Plan a Flight

Tip: Refer to How to Use the Mobile App to create a flight plan.







Confirm Flight Details



In the Advisories section of your flight plan, look for “Automated
Authorization available at or below xxx ft." to confirm that the
airspace is accepts digital authorization.

Next, in the Pre-Flight page, confirm the pilot's first name, last
name and phone number. Missing information will delay the approval
process.

Select “Next” to proceed to the Flight Briefing Stage.







Flight Briefing



Note the “Authorization & Validation” section of your Flight Plan
Briefing. Based on the location details of your flight plan, you will
see one of the following:



Authorized Upon Submission: The pilot has inputted all appropriate
flight plan information to receive authorization. Pilot must SUBMIT
FLIGHT to request authorization.



Manual Authorization Upon Submission: This confirms that the pilot has
inputted all appropriate flight plan information, but that the flight
plan exceeds the recommended flight altitude and requires review. In
the event of a Manual Authorization Pending Submission status, submit
your flight plan 72 total hours ahead of time.





Rejected Upon Submission: This confirms that the flight plan exceeds
maximum allowable flight altitudes, missing pilot information (First
name, Last Name, Phone Number) or occurs within restricted airspace.
Flight will be rejected upon submission.





Submit Flight



Once your flight plan meets the requirements outlined for automated
authorization requests, select “SUBMIT FLIGHT” and note the status of
your authorization request.



Pending: If the Flight has been submitted with the appropriate values
for flight feature fields required for LAANC but the flight has not
yet been approved, a yellow pending icon will show.





Approved: After the Flight Plan has been submitted with the
appropriate values for flight feature fields required for LAANC and
has been approved, a green checkmark icon will show.



View the Authorization Flowchart he Download



NOTE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) works to approve
flights within 30 days. Authorization from the FAA is not guaranteed.
If no action is taken by the FAA before 24 hours of the flight
planned, AirMap will reply with a cancellation of the flight as it no
longer meets the flight requirements.



Related articles

How to use the AirMap Mobile App?
What do the different colors in the map mean?
What are these grids in the map?
Do I need to create an account?
Is creating a flight the same as submitting Digital Notice?

Please sign in to leave a comment.
-------------------------------------------------------

https://www.airmap.com/category/laanc/

LAANC

Important Updates to LAANC

By AirCrew|July 19th, 2018|Blog, LAANC, News

It has been three months since the first wave of LAANC, and the FAA is
more [...]
Read More

It’s Official: Nationwide Expansion of LAANC to 500 More Airports
Begins Next Month

By AirCrew|March 6th, 2018|Blog, LAANC, News

After 6 months of being the preferred UAS Service Supplier of digital
airspace authorization in U.S. [...]
Read More

LAANC Digital Airspace Authorization Makes its Debut for Third Party
Developers

By AirCrew|January 30th, 2018|Blog, LAANC, Product

In October, we launched digital airspace authorization in U.S.
controlled airspace, available to anyone with AirMap’s iOS [...]
Read More

Automated Airspace Authorization is Here

By AirCrew|October 19th, 2017|LAANC, News, Product

You guessed it. Easy, digital, and automated authorization in U.S.
controlled airspace is ready for takeoff. [...]
Read More

AirMap Takes Flight with Kansas

By AirCrew|August 8th, 2017|LAANC, News, Partnerships

The state of Kansas is now powered by AirMap. Today, we announced that
we’re partnering with [...]
Read More

Coming This Fall: Automated Airspace Authorization at U.S. Airports

By AirCrew|July 18th, 2017|LAANC, News

Fifty airports are preparing to provide LAANC authorization this fall.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Miami International,
Phoenix [...]
Read More

Airspace Authorization for the Commercial Drone Industry

By AirCrew|June 27th, 2017|LAANC, Product, Technology

You asked for it. We are delivering. AirMap gives commercial drone
operators easy access to airspace [...]
Read More

FAA UAS Facility Maps: Fit and Trim

By AirCrew|June 12th, 2017|LAANC, News, Product

In April, the FAA released 268 UAS facility maps for guidance on safe
altitudes to apply [...]
Read More

FAA UAS Facility Maps, Available on AirMap

By AirCrew|April 28th, 2017|LAANC, News, Product

The U.S. is opening up the airspace for drones. Yesterday, the FAA
released the first set [...]
Read More

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https://www.gpsworld.com/faa-approve...ice-providers/

FAA approves 9 new LAANC service providers
Est. reading time: 2 minutes
October 1, 2018 - By GPS World Staff
0 Comments

FAA also warns about drones interfering with public safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced nine new
partners to its Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
(LAANC) initiative, a collaboration between the FAA and the drone
industry that provides near real-time processing of airspace
authorizations for Part 107 drone operators nationwide who fly in
controlled airspace.

Following the FAA’s successful prototype, the initiative was
simultaneously opened to additional air traffic control facilities and
to new industry partners. The five-month onboarding process that began
in April resulted in nine new LAANC partners — Aeronyde, Airbus,
AiRXOS, Altitude Angel, Converge, DJI, KittyHawk, UASidekick and
Unifly.

The nine join five companies — AirMap, Harris Corp., Project Wing,
Skyward and Thales Group — that have already met the technical and
legal requirements to provide LAANC Services.

LAANC uses airspace data, including UAS facility maps, which shows the
maximum altitude around airports where the FAA may authorize
operations under Part 107 in controlled airspace. The program gives
drone operators the ability to interact with industry developed
applications and obtain near real-time authorization from the FAA.

LAANC, a foundation for developing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Traffic Management System (UTM), is now available at nearly 300 FAA
air traffic facilities across the country, covering approximately 500
airports.

The FAA next year will accept applications from parties interested in
becoming LAANC service providers from Jan. 7 to Feb. 8 and from July 8
to Aug. 9. This is not a standard government acquisition; there is no
Screening Information Request (SIR) or Request for Proposal (RFP)
related to this effort.

Interested parties can find information on the application process
here.
FAA targets UAS violators for enforcement

In a different announcement, the FAA said that drone pilots who
interfere with fighting wildfires, law enforcement efforts, or other
first responders such as medical flights now are more likely to face
serious civil penalties, even for first-time offenses.

Deterring interference with first responders is critical as drone use
expands exponentially. Firefighting aircraft trying to contain a
wildfire have to suspend flights when a drone enters the area to avoid
a possible mid-air collision. A drone flying over a crime scene or
accident site can hamper police or medical aircraft operations.

Ultimately, interference by a drone can cost lives.

The FAA has provided guidance for agency personnel who handle possible
drone violations to refer all cases involving interference with first
responders to the FAA Chief Counsel’s office for possible enforcement
action.

In July 2016, Congress authorized the FAA to impose a civil penalty of
not more than $20,000 for anyone who operates a drone and deliberately
or recklessly interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement,
or emergency response efforts.

Under FAA guidance, inspectors generally use non-enforcement methods,
including education, for correcting unintentional violations that
arise from factors such as flawed systems, simple mistakes, or lack of
understanding.

However, given the potential for direct and immediate interference
with potentially life-saving operations where minutes matter,
offenders will immediately be considered for enforcement actions.
Enforcement actions can include revocation or suspension of a pilot
certificate, and up to a $20,000 civil penalty per violation.
----------------------------------------------------------------

https://www.faa.gov/uas/request_waiv...facility_maps/

UAS Facility Maps

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UAS Facility Maps show the maximum altitudes around airports where the
FAA may authorize part 107 UAS operations without additional safety
analysis. The maps should be used to inform requests for part 107
airspace authorizations and waivers in controlled airspace.

NOTE: These maps DO NOT authorize operations in these areas at the
depicted altitudes – they are for informational purposes ONLY.
Operators must still apply to operate in controlled airspace (Class B,
C, D, or surface area E) by completing a Part 107 Airspace
Authorization or Waiver Application in the FAA DroneZone.

Individuals who request a part 107 airspace waiver and authorization
are encouraged to consult the maps prior to submitting a request to
determine locations and altitudes that can be approved quickly.

The maps will be published in phases, starting with Class E airport
maps (published April 27, 2017).

For more information about UAS Facility Maps, please see these
Frequently Asked Questions.
Quick Links

View all UAS Facility Maps and grids
View an example UAS Facility Map (PDF)
View a list of UAS Facility Maps (MS Excel)
View the UAS Facility Map Decision Flow Chart
Download UAS Facility Map data (designed for data providers)
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the UAS Facility Map Press Release (April 27, 2017)
-------------------------------------------------------