Onboard navigation systems are not the only thing in the aerial world increasingly benefitting from automated capacities. Now Part 107 certified drone pilots requesting approval for commercial night flights in restricted zones can receive quasi-real-time authorization from providers of Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) processing services.
That and related changes arise from the September 30 expiration of a provisional arrangement inaugurated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March. The previous procedure called for Part 107 certified drone pilots to obtain LAANC approval for commercial day flights in restricted areas, then subsequently secure a National Authorization stipulating night time operation. Practically speaking that often meant first getting a pair of automated LAANC okays for a period covering two days (one for each date) using web or app platforms; then obtaining the National Authorization for night time…
