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⚖ Airspace · § 107.41; FAA UAS Data Exchange (LAANC)AIR-031 · 80 of 261

A remote pilot receives a LAANC authorization showing '100 feet' for a Class D grid near a regional airport. Their planned altitude for a real estate shoot is 150 feet AGL. What does this mean operationally?

AThe pilot may fly up to 150 feet AGL because LAANC shows the floor of controlled airspace: anything below is uncontrolled.
BThe LAANC authorization permits flight up to 100 feet AGL in that grid. To fly at 150 feet, the pilot must request expanded authorization through FAA DroneZone.✓
CLAANC authorizations are advisory only: the pilot may fly at their planned altitude and self-report afterward.

Why →LAANC grid values represent the maximum altitude automatically authorized in that grid cell. A 100-foot authorization means FAA pre-approval up to 100 feet AGL only. Flying above 100 feet without additional authorization violates the authorization and 14 CFR § 107.41. Higher altitude requests must go through FAA DroneZone for manual ATC review.

The trap →LAANC grid values are ceilings, not floors. They are not advisory. Operating above the authorized altitude without additional approval is an airspace violation. Grid values reflect FAA analysis of local air traffic patterns.

Field note →If LAANC shows 0 feet in a grid, auto-authorization is not available at any altitude, but you can still request manual authorization through FAA DroneZone. DroneZone approvals may take several days, so plan commercial shoots near airports well in advance.

SOURCE → 14 CFR § 107.41; FAA UAS Data Exchange (LAANC)CHECKED JUL 16ACS II.B.K2MED
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