Part 107 UAS pilot reported flying without LAANC authorization. Once they confirmed their LAANC authorization had expired they landed the UAS.
Synopsis
Part 107 UAS pilot reported flying without LAANC authorization. Once they confirmed their LAANC authorization had expired they landed the UAS.
Narrative
I was scheduled to fly a real estate photo project within the Airport Restricted Area. Before leaving for the site; I opened a LAANC [approval] through a LAANC UAS Service Supplier app with a 200 foot limit. It took several attempts since I was getting error messages. I was successful once I signed off and back on. I also requested a Geo Zone unlock from DJI through the [DJI] FlySafe App. I was approved and thought I had successfully imported it to the drone. I had only done this once before and had trouble with it that time as well. When I arrived on site; the drone would takeoff and I had several warning about the area; but I was able to continue. The drone was not operating as usual in that I could not move over the western side of the property. I landed and attempted to use my cellphone hot spot to reload the unlock feature from DJI. When it did not seem to work; I departed the area.Once back in Wifi environment; I reached out to DJI; but they wanted me to email another department. A few hours later; without a response; I tried again and was able to download and import the unlock feature. I returned to the photo site and took after. The drone was operating normally and I continued with the project. It then came to me that I should check the duration of previously approved LAANC [approval]. With the drone hovering overhead; I opened the LAANC [approval] and discovered it had expired. I tried to file another LAANC [approval] via Air Control. I had been successful filing a LAANC [approval] in the field in the past. But I was once again receiving an error message. I landed the drone and departed the area. Once home I attempted again to open a LAANC [approval] for the following day; only to receive an error message. I have advised the LAANC UAS Service Supplier app of my issues and have signed up for another LAANC provider.
NASA callback
The reporter indicated the DJI UAS is very sophisticated and will not fly in restricted airspace. The reporter will have a new SOP for ensuring they remain with the 2 hour LAANC window. The reporter will also request access from DJI prior to the flight and in an area with internet connectivity.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.