Part 107 Test / Study guides

Can I fly here? Part 107 airspace authorization and LAANC

Updated October 6, 2026 · 3 min read · Checked against 14 CFR §107.41 and the FAA's LAANC page

In short: you need ATC authorization before flying in Class B, C or D airspace, or in Class E that reaches the surface around an airport (14 CFR §107.41). Class G needs none. In controlled airspace near most airports you can get authorization in near real time through LAANC, using an FAA-approved app. Authorization does not override TFRs, restricted areas or NOTAMs.

Step 1: Which airspace are you in?

Open a sectional chart or a drone app's airspace map at your exact location and height. Our sectional chart guide shows how each class is drawn.

Airspace at your location and altitudeWhat you need
Class GNo ATC authorization. Still check TFRs and NOTAMs.
Class E starting at 700 or 1,200 feet AGLNothing while you stay below its floor, which at 400 feet you do.
Class E to the surface (dashed magenta line)ATC authorization
Class D, C or BATC authorization
Restricted area (R-)Permission from its using or controlling agency
Prohibited area (P-)No flight
Military Operations Area (MOA)No permission needed, but check whether it is active

Step 2: Get authorization through LAANC

LAANC, the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, is how most drone pilots get permission to fly in controlled airspace near airports. You request it in an app from one of the FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers, and if your request is within the limits, you usually get the authorization back in near real time.

  • Where: LAANC covers controlled airspace around participating airports. The FAA lists 726 of them.
  • How high: each area has a ceiling shown on the FAA's UAS Facility Maps, from 0 to 400 feet. Requests at or below that ceiling can be approved automatically.
  • Above the facility map ceiling: Part 107 pilots can submit a "further coordination" request, up to 400 feet, as much as 90 days in advance. It is reviewed manually by the FAA.
  • Who: Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers can both use LAANC for near-real-time requests; further coordination is for Part 107 only.
  • No tower call: unless the authorization says so, you do not need to contact the tower before flying.

Where LAANC is not available, request authorization manually in FAADroneZone. If your flight needs both a waiver and an airspace authorization, apply for both there.

Step 3: Check what LAANC does not cover

The FAA is explicit: LAANC provides airspace authorizations only. Before every flight you must still check:

  • Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). Issued by NOTAM for events like VIP movements, wildfires and stadium events. They apply to every aircraft, drones included, and sponsoring an event does not give you access. Check tfr.faa.gov.
  • NOTAMs. Notices about hazards and changes along your route, available through Flight Service at 1800wxbrief.com.
  • Special use airspace such as restricted and prohibited areas.
  • Weather against your limits: 3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.

Authorization or waiver?

The test likes this distinction. An airspace authorization is permission to fly in controlled airspace. A waiver excuses you from a specific Part 107 rule, for example flying beyond visual line of sight. Waivers are requested through FAADroneZone, and you must explain why the operation will still be safe.

Mistakes that cost points

  1. Thinking Class E always needs authorization. Only Class E to the surface around an airport does.
  2. Calling the tower instead of getting authorization. Part 107 requires prior authorization, which you get through LAANC or FAADroneZone.
  3. Assuming LAANC clears a TFR. It does not; TFRs need the authorization the NOTAM itself describes.
  4. Treating a MOA like a restricted area. You may fly in a MOA without permission.

Check yourself

Question 1 of 6 · Airspace

According to Part 107, how may a remote pilot operate a small UA in Class C airspace?

  1. AAfter receiving prior authorization from ATC
  2. BBy monitoring the ATC frequency from launch to recovery
  3. CBy contacting the ATC facility after launching
Show answer

A. After receiving prior authorization from ATC

Operating in Class B, C or D airspace, or within the lateral boundaries of a Class E surface area designated for an airport, requires prior authorization from ATC.

Source: 14 CFR §107.41

Question 2 of 6 · Airspace

Which Class E airspace requires ATC authorization before you fly a small UA in it?

  1. AClass E airspace that begins at 700 feet AGL
  2. BClass E airspace that begins at 1,200 feet AGL
  3. CClass E surface area designated for an airport
Show answer

C. Class E surface area designated for an airport

Part 107 requires ATC authorization within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport. Other Class E airspace normally needs no authorization.

Source: 14 CFR §107.41

Question 3 of 6 · Airspace

Class G airspace extends from the surface up to

  1. Athe base of the overlying Class E airspace
  2. B400 feet AGL everywhere
  3. C18,000 feet MSL
Show answer

A. the base of the overlying Class E airspace

Class G is uncontrolled airspace from the surface to the base of the overlying Class E airspace. No ATC authorization is needed to fly a small UA there.

Source: Remote Pilot Study Guide, Ch. 2

Question 4 of 6 · Airspace

Before operating a small UA within a restricted area, the remote pilot must

  1. Aobtain permission from the using or controlling agency
  2. Bnotify the nearest flight service station after landing
  3. Cstay below 400 feet AGL
Show answer

A. obtain permission from the using or controlling agency

No person may operate in prohibited or restricted areas without permission from the using or controlling agency. Restricted areas can contain invisible hazards such as artillery firing or guided missiles.

Source: 14 CFR §107.45

Question 5 of 6 · Airspace

How is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) issued?

  1. ABy a Flight Data Center (FDC) NOTAM
  2. BBy a change to the next sectional chart edition
  3. CBy a notice posted at the nearest airport
Show answer

A. By a Flight Data Center (FDC) NOTAM

TFRs are issued by FDC NOTAMs beginning with "FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS". Check NOTAMs as part of preflight planning, for example at tfr.faa.gov or 1800wxbrief.com.

Source: Remote Pilot Study Guide, Ch. 2; 14 CFR §107.47

Question 6 of 6 · Airspace

Your company sponsors a race team, and the FAA has issued a TFR over the race you want to film. Which statement is correct?

  1. AYou may fly in the TFR because your company is a sponsor
  2. BThe TFR applies to all aircraft; you may not fly there without authorization
  3. CYou may fly if you notify everyone in the crowd
Show answer

B. The TFR applies to all aircraft; you may not fly there without authorization

TFRs apply to all aircraft, including small UA. Sponsorship does not grant access; you need the authorization specified in the NOTAM.

Source: 14 CFR §107.47; §91.145

Airspace is 15–25% of the test. Practice every airspace question on the real FAA sectional charts in the app.

Coming soon to iPhone and Android

Sources

Part 107 Test is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the FAA. Airspace and LAANC availability change; always check current FAA sources before you fly.