Part 107 UAS pilot reported conducting a UAS flight beyond the permissible altitude due to discrepancies in what the LAANC app indicated was the maximum altitude versus what the actual authorization detailed.
Synopsis
Part 107 UAS pilot reported conducting a UAS flight beyond the permissible altitude due to discrepancies in what the LAANC app indicated was the maximum altitude versus what the actual authorization detailed.
Narrative
I was conducting a real estate video shoot on Day 0. Approximately XA:10 hours; I was preparing my above-listed drone for a preflight check when I received a notification on my REMOTE CONTROLLED SCREEN stating that I was in a FLIGHT RESTRICTIVE ZONE. I accessed my 'Air Control' app on my Apple smartphone to make arrangements with LAANC to obtain approval to fly in the specified zone; so I could complete the job I was contracted for. When I opened the app; the first thing it asked was 'What Type of LAANC do you want? I responded with Part 107-Commercial. Right below this question was another question asking the pilot (me) How high do you need to fly? Underneath this question; there is a bar with different altitudes ranging from 0ft to 400ft. Based on my location; this bar had a red bar ranging from 250ft upwards to 400ft. I moved and slid the bar as far as I could; which was up to 250ft. That was more than I needed. I moved forward with any other questions it may have asked me; and approximately 1415 hours later; I received LAANC approval from ZZZ as the authorizing airport; valid inside Airspace Delta for 2 hours and 1 minute. Notably; this was the first time I had ever used this app to obtain clearance to fly my drone. Upon approval; I started my drone and completed my work approximately within 20-30 minutes. For the record; there were no incidents; no accidents; no complaints of any kind. Why am I submitting this report? After the job was completed and I retired at home; I went to check my daily emails and saw an email from ALOFT with my above Authorization number listed; and that my altitude at which I am allowed to fly is 150ft. This technically puts me in violation. The complaint I'm making is that the app stated after asking me 'How high do I need to fly;' the graphical interface of the altitude request was blocked off from 250ft upward. The assumption after this was that I could only fly at an altitude of 250ft or less. After seeing this email; I went back to the app and under LAANC; IT STATED THAT the PERMISSIBLE ALTITUDE FOR AUTHORIZATION IS 200FT. Then; under the LAANC Authorization log; it states 150ft. I believe that the company in charge of ALOFT or Air Control; along with the FAA; needs to work this out in some way. Granted; I assumed the graphical interface bar; which was my error. However; the app then provided two different altitudes to follow. Either way; one inch or 100 ft; it's still a violation. But how would fault be determined in this case scenario? I would like the record to show that incorrect data was presented.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.