FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)Airspace and Operating RequirementsHard
A remote pilot uses LAANC to request authorization for a flight at a location where the UAS Facility Map grid shows a maximum altitude of 100 feet, but the mission requires flying at 250 feet AGL to inspect a nearby cell tower under the structure exception. What must the pilot do to obtain authorization for this flight?
- ASubmit a further coordination request through LAANC or contact the FAA directly, since 250 feet exceeds the automatic facility map ceiling of 100 feet
- BFly at 100 feet without authorization since that is the maximum allowed everywhere in that airspace
- CUse the UAS Facility Map value as a mandatory floor and fly above it without requesting authorization
- DAutomatically receive LAANC approval at 250 feet since the structure exception overrides the facility map altitude
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Submit a further coordination request through LAANC or contact the FAA directly, since 250 feet exceeds the automatic facility map ceiling of 100 feet
LAANC provides automatic (near real-time) authorization only up to the grid's published maximum altitude; when a pilot needs to fly above that value, they must submit a further coordination request, which is reviewed manually by the FAA or ATC facility rather than approved automatically.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 100 feet is the grid's automatic ceiling, not necessarily the airspace-wide maximum, and flying without authorization above it is not permitted if required.
- C. The facility map value is a ceiling for automatic approval, not a mandatory minimum floor.
- D. The structure exception under 107.51(b)(2) allows flying near a structure above 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled areas, but in controlled airspace the facility map ceiling still governs automatic authorization.
LAANC Further Coordination
A manual request process used when a planned UAS operation exceeds the automatic altitude ceiling shown on a UAS Facility Map grid within controlled airspace.
- UAS Facility Maps show maximum automatic-approval altitudes per grid
- Requests above the grid ceiling require further coordination review
- Further coordination is not guaranteed and may take longer to process
- Structure exception under 107.51 doesn't bypass controlled airspace authorization needs
Memory trick: Above the Grid? Ask ATC, don't just fly higher