How to Apply for LAANC on a Smart Device using ALOFT Air Control (Video)

ALOFT, which used to be known in the drone community as Kittyhawk, uses a combination of mobile and desktop enterprise applications, security and compliance solutions, and AI to ensure that companies and solo drone operators alike fly safely and organized.

Using their Smartphone and Desktop applications, drone operators in the US are able to apply for LAANC authorizations or prior authorization to fly in active airspace.

ALOFT also powers the FAA’s B4UFLY app.

In this article and the included YouTube video, we will go over how to apply for LAANC authorizations in the US, on a smart device, using the ALOFT Air Control app, as either a recreational flyer or a Part 107 operator.

This will be done from the understanding that the app has been previously installed and a user account created.

» MORE: For more information on creating an aloft account Aloft LAANC Authorization – How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

What is LAANC #

As a recap for those new to airspace authorizations, **LAANC, **known as Low Altitude Authorization Notification Capability, is software used to automate the process of approving or denying drone operator requests to fly in protected Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E controlled airspace, in the United States.

If you are wanting to fly either recreationally or as an FAA Certified Drone Operator in this FAA-controlled airspace, getting LAANC authorization is a requirement.

How to Apply for LAANC #

Application for LAANC authorizations can be done anywhere with a cellular/internet connection.

Due to the instant nature of the approvals or declines, you can apply for LAANC approvals while at the requested location.

Recreational Flyer #

To apply for LAANC approvals from a smart device:

STEP 1: Open the Aloft Air Control app and Log In if prompted.

STEP 2: When you get to the area map, there will be a drop pin at your current location.

Using the map, move to the location you would like to fly. Once there, expand the screen and tap the screen where you’d like to fly. This will drop a location pin.

Press the LAANC tab.

STEP 3: Upon tapping the LAANC tab, a green square will show up on the screen where your dropped pin is located.

You will be asked if you are requesting LAANC for either Commercial (Part 107) or Recreational Purposes.

For this case, choose Recreational.

STEP 4: You’re now brought to an area with a message similar to: “Eligible for auto-approval up to [x] ft”.

At this point, you can use the + symbols to modify your flight area by pressing and holding them, then dragging them.

Looking at the grids on your map where your drop-pin is located, choose a height that corresponds with the maximum height in your specific grid. Press Next.

STEP 5: At the “When & how long”? screen you can input your specific date, time frame, and duration for flying.

Tap the Date & Time to change those values, then tap Duration to change Hours and Minutes. Press Next.

At the Pre-Check Results screen, you will get an “Eligible for Auto-Approval notice”, if that location is indeed eligible.

STEP 6: After scrolling through the Pre-Check Results and confirming your Start and End times, press Next.

STEP 7: At the Review Info & Submit to FAA screen, verify your Name and Phone Number and press the Agree & Submit button.

You will then receive your authorization via text message and email, as well as a summary of the Airspace parameters and weather conditions.

Tapping Fly will bring you to the Preflight Checklist that you can use to check off items from the list.

Because you chose to fly as a Recreational Flyer, you can close the checklist with the X in the upper right corner, as pressing Skip will bring you to a Part 107 Risk Assessment screen.

Commercial (Part 107) #

If you are requesting LAANC as a Part 107 Commercial operator:

STEP 1: Open the Aloft Air Control app and Log In if prompted.

STEP 2: When you get to the area map, there will be a drop pin at your current location.

Using the map, move to the location you would like to fly. Once there, expand the screen and tap the screen where you’d like to fly. This will drop a location pin.

Press the LAANC tab.

STEP 3: Upon tapping the LAANC tab, a green square will show up on the screen where your dropped pin is located.

You will be asked if you are requesting LAANC for either Commercial (Part 107) or Recreational Purposes.

For this case, choose Commercial.

STEP 4: You’re now brought to an area with a message similar to: “Eligible for auto-approval up to [x] ft”.

At this point, you can use the + symbols to modify your flight area by pressing and holding them, then dragging them.

Looking at the grids on your map where your drop-pin is located, choose a height that corresponds with the maximum height in your specific grid. Press Next.

STEP 5: At the “When & how long”? screen you can input your specific date, time frame, and duration for flying.

Tap the Date & Time to change those values, then tap Duration to change Hours and Minutes. Press Next.

At the Pre-Check Results screen, you will get an “Eligible for Auto-Approval notice”, if that location is indeed eligible.

STEP 6: After scrolling through the Pre-Check Results and confirming your Start and End times, press Next.

STEP 7: At the Review Info & Submit to FAA screen, verify your Name and Phone Number and press the Agree & Submit button.

You will then receive your authorization via text message and email, as well as a summary of the Airspace parameters and weather conditions.

STEP 8: Tap FLY.

You’ll be presented with a Preflight checklist that will enable you to use active check marks for the items on-screen.

Hit SKIP and you’ll be brought to the Part 107 Risk Assessment area, which allows you to check off multiple pilot and flight-related categories and sub-categories.

STEP 9: You’ll receive a Risk Level Score based on the previous Risk Assessment. The lower the number, the lower the flight risk.

STEP 10: Press READY TO FLY.

The Aloft Air Control app also allows you to connect your drone to the app and use it as a flight app, similar to DJI Fly.

If you are not planning on using Air Control as a flight app, simply exit the screen.