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Missions vs. LAANC
Missions vs. LAANC

What's the difference? Do I need both?

Updated over a week ago

There is a difference between creating a mission and filing for LAANC authorization.

The mission serves as a way to tie multiple flight logs or flight records from multiple pilots each conducting their own checklists, risk assessments, etc. The mission feature also supports the ability for Admins to monitor account activity and setup an approval process for pilots planning future flights.

The approval process can be automatic where the pilots have the ability to self-approve, this can include steps implemented into a planning workflow. The approval process can also be more manual, in which an Admin can be alerted that a new mission is created, log in to review and approve, and the pilot can receive an alert once approved.
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LAANC is a separate process to receive airspace authorization, and you can generally receive approvals immediately - unless requesting for a higher altitude than has been preapproved. LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notication Capability) makes sure you as the drone operator are legally compliant with the FAA.

Here's a link to more information about LAANC. The Air Control mobile app and web dashboard (https://air.aloft.ai/) are available for everyone to request LAANC authorizations.

Note: Missions and LAANC are also separate from the DJI Fly Safe and unlocking system. If you've received proper authorization, and the drone won't take off, please refer to DJI's website and apps for unlocking the drone: https://www.dji.com/flysafe

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