LAANC vs. NFZ Unlock
Getting LAANC authorization through Aloft's Air Control platform is your legal compliance with FAA regulations. This applies directly to you as the operator.
The DJI Fly Safe system is a secondary safety feature added by the manufacturer to prevent drones from inadvertently being flown near airports and restricted areas. Sometimes you have to provide proof of FAA authorization in order to get an unlock code from DJI for the drone to take off.
The unlock process is entirely handled by the DJI app and website: https://www.dji.com/flysafe
While this feature is available in the DJI app, when you're flying in sensitive airspace or their red unlock zones, users find the process is easier to start from their website.
You can download a PDF copy of your LAANC from the Air Control web dashboard, https://air.aloft.ai/, you'll receive an email with the LAANC info, and even a couple of screenshots from the app will work when you need to upload proof of authorization to DJI.
Then, once you receive the unlock code confirmation email, jump back to the DJI app and head into "NFZ Unlock Authorizations" menu to verify you've downloaded the latest, and the drone will take off when you show up in the field.
Download or Screenshot or LAANC Authorization
Download from the Web | Screenshot the Mobile App: |
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After tapping print, save the LAANC as a PDF so you can easily upload it elsewhere. | Find your LAANC authorization, open the advisory card, and tap "additional details." |
Complete the Process in DJI
Head to https://www.dji.com/flysafe
Click "Unlock Now" and log in.
Under the Unlock Request page, select "+ New Unlock Request"
You can choose Zone Unlock if you're only in a Blue DJI Geozone area. If you're close to the airport, in a Red Geozone area, you may need to select Custom Unlock.
On the next screen, complete your personal information. Select your drone type and aircraft, as well as the pilot. Hit Next.
Now use the map tools to draw a polygon or circle on the map that lines up with your flight and authorization area. You can also import or manually enter lat,long coordinates if needed.
Upload your LAANC to DJI to unlock the drone:
At the bottom of this page, you'll see an Upload button. This is where you need to attach your proof of LAANC authorization.
Once you submit, you should see a new unlock request in your list "Waiting for Review"
While most of the time these are instant, you may need to wait 15 minutes to several hours for a response. Once approved, you'll receive an email along with the green Accepted status.
At this point you should be able to check your pilot app for the unlock:
Make sure the drone, remote controller, DJI app, and flysafe database are up to date. Try signing out and back in if you're still not seeing it.
Find the New Unlocking Packages in the top right corner and click Details. Import the Unlock Certificates:
You should now see your unlock in the main "Unlock NFZ Application" list. The drone is now ready and will take off when you show up at that time and location.
Fly safe!