LAANC is required when flying in controlled airspace. While using the system, you may run into scenarios where you receive a red error message stating "LAANC Pre-check Failed" after filling out all your LAANC details. There can be a few reasons for receiving this message, and this article is meant to help break down some of the most common scenarios.

The most common reason for seeing this error message is because we're filing where LAANC doesn't apply. LAANC is only required in controlled airspace, and is not available in uncontrolled airspace.

As a follow up to uncontrolled airspace, many smaller airports often close at night. In some cases, these airport revert to Class E airspace and are still considered controlled. In many cases, the airspace reverts to Class G and is not considered controlled airspace when the tower is closed. You'll find these airports display Schedules on the advisory card in Air Control.

Note that in the example airport/airspace below, Aloft will automatically crop your authorization if any of the request falls outside of controlled airspace (we crop by both time and space). Thus, if you request LAANC from 9pm to 11pm, we will only process the LAANC from 9-10pm local time.

If you request LAANC from 10pm-11pm or from 5am-6am, for example, you'll see the message below.

These are typically airports and military bases where LAANC has not been enabled or is limited. If LAANC is not available, and the location is still within controlled airspace, authorization can be requested through the FAA's DroneZone website.

https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/
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Login and click "Launch Drone Owners and Pilots Dashboard". Then scroll down for "Create Part 107 Waiver/Authorization", and pick the "Airspace Authorization" option.

This means that LAANC is available, but due to the requested altitude and the pre-approved altitude limit, the Further Coordinated LAANC process is being triggered. This process is required for any 0-ft areas. This requires filing at least 72 hours in advance. More detail on Further Coordination can be found here.

The requested LAANC boundary has crossed into a restricted area. Check the map again and see if it's possible to adjust the LAANC request so that the restriction is not included.

In some cases, the FAA needs to change the status of a previously approve authorization. In this case, you will get notified that the FAA requires the pilot to acknowledge these requests before filing any new ones.

To acknowledge these, open your authorization list on the web or in the app, and look for any showing "requesting invalidated", select the LAANC, and then "Close" the request to make the acknowledgement.