Respondents are sUAS operators seeking authorization to fly in controlled airspace under either 14 CFR §â¯107.41 or 49 U.S.C. §â¯44809(a)(5) (sUAS operators flying âlimited recreational operationsâ also referred to as ârecreational flyersâ). Per the regulatory requirements of both operation types, no person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC). Thus, respondents are required to provide certain information to ATC as part of the application process to gain authorization to fly in controlled airspace. The information includes the respondentâs name, telephone number, email address, and information related to the date, time, place, and altitude of any planned flight operations in controlled airspace. Reporting this information is required for Part 107 and Section 44809 operators to receive authorization to fly a sUAS in controlled airspace. There are no record-keeping or disclosure requirements. There are no record-keeping or disclosure requirements.
The information requested from respondents for airspace authorizations and airspace waivers is essential to the FAAâs mission of ensuring safety in the airspace. The FAA is tasked with the exclusive management of airspace in the United States and must issue regulations and control the use of airspace to ensure the safe and efficient use of airspace.
Part 107 Airspace Authorizations:
The FAA uses the information provided by respondents via either LAANC or the DroneZone web portal for the same purposes and will address each together.
LAANC and DroneZone Web Portal
The FAA uses this information to evaluate airspace authorization requests submitted under Part 107 and Sectionâ¯44809. For both user types, the LAANC and DroneZone systems serve as the primary collection mechanisms. LAANC provides near-real-time, fully automated processing for authorization requests that fall within published UAS Facility Maps (UASFMs), while DroneZone enables manual review and approval for requests outside of automated limits or for locations not served by LAANC.
Part 107 Airspace Waivers:
DroneZone Web Portal
The FAA uses information respondents submit via the DroneZone web portal to determine whether each respondent can safely operate the sUAS under the terms of an airspace waiver that authorizes deviation from § 107.41. The FAA reviews and analyzes the information it collects from the respondent to determine the type and extent of the intended deviation from § 107.41. In general, the FAA will issue a certificate of waiver or authorization to the respondent (individuals and businesses) if the proposed operation does not create a hazard to persons on the ground or to other aircraft.
If the FAA did not collect this information, the FAA would not be able to grant certificates of waiver from § 107.41 as the FAA uses the information to authorize (or deny) the requested airspace waiver consistent with the FAAâs legal mandate to maintain a safe and efficient airspace.
US Code:
49 USC 44701
Name of Law: General Requirements
US Code:
49 USC 44809
Name of Law: FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
US Code:
49 USC 44807
Name of Law: General Requirements
US Code: 49 USC 44809 Name of Law: FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
US Code: 49 USC 44807 Name of Law: General Requirements
US Code: 49 USC 44701 Name of Law: General Requirements
Section 44809
Previously, Information Collection (IC) 2120-0776 was approved for 252,460 annual responses and 24,007 annual burden hours. Actual respondents were fewer than initially estimated; however, the number of Section 44809 respondents increased notably from fiscal year (FY) 2023 to FY 2024âfrom 149,397 to 190,012, representing a 27.2% year-over-year increase. In FY 2025, there were 204,392 respondents, a 6% increase from the prior year, which aligns more closely with the growth rate the FAA anticipates over the next three years. Although steady growth is expected to continue, the overall burden associated with this collection has decreased when compared to the previously approved estimates, based on the actual number of respondents recorded over the past three fiscal years.
Part 107 (previously under 2120-0768)
Previously, Information Collection (IC) 2120-0768 was approved for 492,655 annual responses and 61,582 annual burden hours. LAANC respondents exceeded projections, with 473,066 respondents in FY 2024 and 561,351 respondents in FY 2025âan 18.7% increase. DroneZone respondents, by contrast, were accurately estimated for FY 2023 (43,559) and FY 2024 (51,477) but decreased by 22.4% in FY 2025 (39,929). This decrease is attributed to LAANC system enhancements that expanded Air Traffic Control (ATC) facilitiesâ Further Coordination (FC) request capabilities, which previously required submission through DroneZone. This is further supported by the 25.3% increase in FY 2025 LAANC FC requests.
As part of this revision, Part 107 authorizations and waiver requests previously captured under IC 2120-0768 are now consolidated into IC 2120-0776. The Part 107 burden has increased since the previously approved collection and, combined with the inclusion of these activities, results in a significant overall increase in the total burden for IC 2120-0776.
None. The plan is to convert this from Common Forms to a Standard Collection.
Agency/Sub Agency
RCF ID
RCF Title
RCF Status
IC Title
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form 3 Part 107 - Airspace Waiver - Web - Form & Instruction
Supporting Statement_2120-0776_Part107_and_44809_Auths._20251117.docx
FAA Aerospace Forcast FY 2025-2045.pdf
Part 107 - Airspace Waivers - DroneZone Web Portal