ATA partners with Harris to deliver LAANC services

2nd May 2019 - 09:30 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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ATA has partnered with Harris Corporation to provide safety-critical aerospace management solutions for the UAS market, the company announced on 29 April.

The two companies have jointly developed a new Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability and obtained all FAA-required approvals to offer the service.

LAANC enables UAS operators and manned aircraft to share controlled airspace by automating the application and approval process for airspace authorisations. Requests are checked against multiple FAA and National Airspace System data sources. If approved, pilots receive their authorisation via LAANC in near-real time.

The ATA-Harris LAANC incorporates features such as free-form drawing, which gives pilots the flexibility to define desired operational areas. This creates efficient flight plans that minimise the use of airspace to facilitate FAA approvals.

UAS pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 who want to fly in controlled airspace around airports are already required to obtain prior FAA authorisations, either through LAANC or by directly contacting the FAA. Beginning in September, all operators, including hobbyists, will be required to file using LAANC.