Friday, October 27, 2017

AirMap Automates Drone Requests To FAA With New App Feature

Santa Monica-based AirMap, the startup developing airspace management software for drones, said on Thursday that it has added integration with the FAA, to automate what had been a very cumbersome process to gain authorization to operate near U.S. airports. According to AirMap, its app now allows licensed, commercial drone operators with Part 107 authorization to request authorization to fly in controlled airspace near four, U.S. airports, all via its iOS and Android apps. Those airports are Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Lincoln Airport (LNK), Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), and San Jose International Airport (SJC). The automated system is the result of integration with the FAA's new Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) initiative, which streamlines the now lengthy process of requesting authorization to fly within five miles of an airport. Currently, pilots with a FAA Part 107 license must contact the airport they wish to fly near, on paper, and get specific authorization from authorities for their flight activity--something which could take up to 90 days.