Part 107 Authorizations and Waivers under 14 CFR Part 107 and Airspace Authorizations in Controlled Airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 44809(a)(5)

Respondents are sUAS operators seeking authorization to fly in controlled airspace under either 14 CFR § 107.41 or 49 U.S.C. § 44809(a)(5) (sUAS operators flying “limited recreational operations” also referred to as “recreational flyers”). 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 respondent’s 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 FAA’s 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 Section 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 FAA’s legal mandate to maintain a safe and efficient airspace.

The latest form for Part 107 Authorizations and Waivers under 14 CFR Part 107 and Airspace Authorizations in Controlled Airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 44809(a)(5) expires 2029-02-28 and can be found here.

44809 Airspace Authorizations - LAANC

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Transportation - Air Transportation