A remote pilot needs authorization to operate in controlled airspace for a real estate shoot in two weeks. Which FAA system is the appropriate pathway, and what is its typical timeline?

Why →LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the standard pathway for routine controlled-airspace authorization. Approvals come through apps like Aloft, Airspace Link, or B4UFLY within seconds for operations at or below the published grid altitude. DroneZone manual authorization is used when requesting altitudes above the LAANC grid and takes longer. A § 107.200 waiver is for non-airspace rule deviations (night BVLOS, over-people without Category, etc.) and is not the right tool for routine airspace authorization.

The trap →The DroneZone manual authorization and § 107.200 waiver options describe slower pathways that are needed only when LAANC cannot serve the request. A two-week timeline with LAANC available makes those pathways the wrong tool.

Field note →Know the three pathways by purpose: LAANC for airspace below grid ceilings, DroneZone manual for airspace above grid, § 107.200 waivers for rule deviations unrelated to airspace.