Drone News: FAA Approves DJI To Authorize Customer Flights in Controlled Airspace

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, has been approved to offer Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) services for professional drone pilots. After a rigorous test and validation of DJI’s technology capabilities, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday announced its approval of DJI as a UAS Service Supplier, allowing DJI to offer its customers near-real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace near airports.

“DJI has always led the industry in helping open America’s skies for productive small drone flights while keeping safety as the top priority, and offering LAANC capability to our customers is another example of our dedication to meeting their needs,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs. “The LAANC system is a testament to the FAA’s global leadership in integrating drones into the airspace safely and efficiently, including in areas that are close to airports, using a technology solution that reflects the fast-paced development of the drone industry.”

The FAA established LAANC this year to help professional drone pilots operate within controlled airspace at approximately 500 airports where commercial drone flights are generally prohibited without authorization. LAANC designates locations within that airspace that can be used safely up to approved altitudes, and monitors temporary flight restrictions and other limits that could affect flights there. Pilots can use LAANC to review those limits, plan flights and file applications. LAANC processes those applications instantly and provides information about those flights to FAA Air Traffic, improving situational awareness and enhancing aviation safety.

“Before LAANC, using drones for productive work near many airports required detailed applications and up to months of waiting, even when the benefits were clear and safety was prioritized. Now, LAANC allows easy drone use in more than 2,000 square miles near airports, including many populated areas that can benefit tremendously from drone operations,” said Brandon Montellato, DJI Program Manager – Enterprise Solutions. “More than 100,000 Part 107-certified drone pilots will now be able to perform valuable work – from inspections and surveys to filming and photography – with near-instant approval.”

DJI’s approval as a UAS Service Supplier is just the latest example of how DJI collaborates with the FAA and other national aviation authorities around the world to enhance and improve safety while integrating drones into the airspace. Last year, DJI worked with the FAA to develop a mandatory DJI Knowledge Quiz that pilots must pass before taking their first flights with DJI drones, and has expanded the program to the United Kingdom and Australia as well. DJI also served on the FAA’s Remote Identification and Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee to provide expertise on security and safety solutions.

As a UAS Service Supplier, DJI now has the ability to allow enterprise customers and other professional users to use their DJI accounts to seamlessly apply for LAANC approvals while planning their flights. Further details on LAANC integration into DJI’s product ecosystem will be announced in due course.