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?

Question

Accepted Answer

The 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.. 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.

Answer

The pilot may fly up to 150 feet AGL because LAANC shows the floor of controlled airspace: anything below is uncontrolled.

Answer

LAANC authorizations are advisory only: the pilot may fly at their planned altitude and self-report afterward.