4/20/23 

AIM 

Section 4.  Airspace Access for UAS 

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1.  Recreational Flyers 

a. 

Advisory Circular 91

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57, Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft, provides 

guidance for recreational flyers. Failure of a recreational flyer to adhere to any of the requirements for 

recreational status under 14 USC 44809 will result in the flight being considered 14 CFR Part 107 by the FAA, 

which may result in greater penalties if the operator is found operating in an unsafe manner. Recreational flyers 

may only operate under the statutory exception if they adhere to all of the conditions listed in the statute. 

REFERENCE

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AC 91

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57, Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft

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49 USC 44809, Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft

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14 CFR Part 107, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. 

b. 

Operations in Class G airspace. Flights in Class G airspace will be the most common environment for many 

recreational flyers. The upper limit of recreational UAS operations in Class G airspace is 400 feet AGL. When 

operating in Class G airspace, the recreational flyer must follow the set of safety guidelines outlined and 

developed by a recognized Community

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Based Organization (CBO). 

c. 

Operations in controlled airspace or uncontrolled airspace above 400 feet AGL. If a recreational flyer 

desires to operate in class B, C, or D airspace, or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of class E 

airspace designated for an airport, or in class G airspace above 400 feet, the operator must obtain prior 

authorization from the Administrator or designee before operating. For the recreational flyer wishing to enter 

controlled airspace, there are two basic routes: 

1. 

Fixed sites are locations specifically authorized by the FAA, which are posted at the FAA’s interactive 

map on the UAS Data Delivery System (UDDS). On the map, small blue circles depict the location of these sites 

in controlled airspace and the altitude limits imposed on those sites. The altitude restrictions are derived from 

the UASFM which form the basic structure of LAANC and its operating procedures. Recreational flyers can 

access site

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specific information by clicking on the blue circle. 

NOTE

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These sites have existing letters of agreement or authorization (LOA) with the FAA. For the CBO to operate in controlled 

airspace, an airspace authorization agreement between the CBO and the FAA must be in place. Certain sites may have 
access restrictions or other operating limitations, which are available from the site sponsor. 

2. 

By request, through the LAANC Application. LAANC provides the recreational pilot with access, when 

permissible, to controlled airspace at or below posted UASFM altitudes in near

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real time. LAANC also gives 

the recreational flyer the ability to stay notified of airspace restrictions and prohibitions. See paragraph 11

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of this chapter for information on downloading the LAANC application. 

d. 

CBO Sanctioned Events. Sanctioned events, also called sponsored events are generally of short duration 

and take place at an existing fixed site or temporary fixed site established specifically for the event. 

1. 

CBO’s requesting a sanctioned or sponsored event authorization within Class B, C, D, or within the 

lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport are obligated to make the 

location known to the FAA Administrator. Mutually agreed

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upon operating procedures must be established with 

the event organizer. This is accomplished through a fixed site application in DroneZone. 

2. 

CBO operations and events occurring at 400 feet AGL and below in Class G airspace do not require FAA 

review, approval or authorization. CBO’s intending to conduct events in Class G airspace that may exceed 400 

feet AGL must contact the FAA for further information. 

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2.  14 CFR Part 107 and Waivers to 14 CFR Part 107 

a. 

14 CFR Part 107 was the first new rule dedicated to UAS operations. It was designed to provide a path for 

integration into the NAS for sUAS, flown under VLOS, and operated for non

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recreational purposes. Part 107 

Airspace Access for UAS 

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