AutoPylot provides detailed airspace maps to help drone pilots navigate safely and legally. These maps display various colors and visuals that convey crucial information about airspace restrictions and permissions. Understanding these colors and visuals is essential for planning drone flights and avoiding restricted areas.
Here's a guide to interpreting AutoPylot's airspace maps:
Orange Airspace with Grids
When the airspace appears orange and grids are visible, it indicates that the airspace is LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) active.
LAANC allows users to request near-real-time permission to fly in controlled airspace.
The numbers inside the orange grids represent altitude ceilings or the maximum height a pilot can request to fly in the designated grid.
Airspace Outlines without Grids
Airspace outlines without any grids represent two scenarios:
Airspaces that show grid ceilings but are not orange represent airports that do not offer LAANC. Pilots must file a manual waiver online using FAA DroneZone in these areas.
Class E2 airspace extensions: These are extensions of controlled airspace where LAANC is unavailable. Ceiling heights will not appear in these areas.
Yellow Outlined Boundaries
Yellow outlines indicate Special Use Airspace (SUA), Military Operation Areas (MOA), and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) starting above 400 feet.
Special Use Airspace and Military Operation Areas
SUAs and MOAs may contain more air traffic or fast military aircraft. Operators should always maintain extra vigilance and awareness when flying in these areas.
Some of these areas may operate according to a schedule and are only sometimes active.
Before flight, the remote pilot in command must assess local airspace and any flight restrictions and check https://sua.faa.gov/sua/siteFrame.app
Temporary Flight Restrictions (Above 400 Feet)
Since drone operators are required to fly at or below 400 feet, they may fly within airspace containing TFRs starting above 400 feet.
If the TFR overlaps controlled airspace, operators must obtain the proper authorization to fly (LAANC, Wavier) and not exceed grid ceilings unless otherwise authorized.
Operators should always double-check the FAA Notam website TFR.FAA.Gov or hit the TFR link in the flight checklist.
Straight Yellow Lines
Straight Yellow lines indicate Military Training Routes (MTRs).
Like SUAs, this airspace may contain more air traffic or fast military aircraft. Operators should always maintain extra vigilance and awareness when flying in these areas.
Red Outlined Boundaries
Red outlines designate two types of areas, including restricted airspace and National Park Service land;
Restricted airspace includes SFRAs, DoD sites, national security facilities, restricted SUAs, and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) starting at or below 400 feet.
These areas are Do Not Fly Zones and off-limits to drone flights for security or safety reasons.
Red outlines also show where take-off and landing are prohibited, such as national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas.
Drone flights may be prohibited or restricted in these areas to protect the environment, wildlife, and public safety.
AutoPylot's airspace maps provide valuable information to drone pilots, helping them navigate safely and legally. By understanding the different colors and visuals on the maps, pilots can identify LAANC active airspace, avoid restricted zones, and plan flights in compliance with regulations. Drone pilots must familiarize themselves with these features and use them effectively to ensure safe and responsible drone operations.