Controlled airspace drone operations on Long Island.

What does controlled airspace mean?

Controlled airspace includes areas where air traffic services manage aircraft activity. For Part 107 drone operations, prior FAA authorization is required in Class B, C and D airspace and the surface areas of Class E airspace designated for an airport. The actual airspace at the proposed location matters, rather than distance from an airport alone.

See the FAA's guidance on flying near airports.

Can a property near an airport be photographed?

Being near an airport does not automatically make a project impossible. Projects near Republic Airport, Long Island MacArthur Airport or other airports must be evaluated using the exact property location, flight area, altitude and timing. Where authorization is required, it must be obtained before flight.

Precision Aerial NY reviews airspace, temporary restrictions, weather, hazards and launch access. An airspace authorization does not replace other operating requirements or permission to access a site.

What is LAANC?

LAANC stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. Pilots use applications from FAA-approved service suppliers to request controlled-airspace authorization. Eligible requests at participating facilities may receive approval in near real time. LAANC provides airspace authorization only; pilots must still check restrictions and meet other flight requirements.

Read the FAA's explanation of LAANC and approved service suppliers.

What do UAS Facility Map numbers mean?

UAS Facility Maps show altitudes where the FAA may authorize Part 107 operations without additional safety analysis. These grid numbers are planning information, not permission to fly. A pilot must still obtain any required airspace authorization, even below the displayed altitude.

A zero-foot grid does not provide automatic approval for a flight above ground. A proposed flight may need Further Coordination or another FAA review process; approval is never guaranteed.

See the FAA's UAS Facility Map guidance.

When is additional FAA review needed?

Part 107 requests above a UAS Facility Map altitude, including zero-foot grids, may be submitted for LAANC Further Coordination where supported, subject to FAA limits and exclusions. This requires manual review. Other requests may need the FAA DroneZone process, including projects at airports without LAANC.

Allow additional planning time. A pending request is not authorization, and no specific approval or turnaround is promised. If the proposed flight cannot be authorized or conducted safely, we discuss revised timing or coverage, or explain that the project cannot proceed as requested.

Read the FAA's Part 107 airspace authorization procedures.

Which services can use this planning process?

Location review applies to commercial real estate aerial photography and video, construction progress drone documentation and property and roof visual documentation. View current services and pricing or send a project inquiry.

Our primary service area is Nassau County and western Suffolk County. NYC requests involve separate permitting and coordination considerations; see the existing NYC notice on our pricing page.

FAA guidance reviewed September 30, 2026. Each proposed operation is evaluated against requirements applicable at the time of flight.