Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported conducting a UAS flight in controlled airspace without LAANC authorization.

2025-12 · NASA ASRS report 2320001

Date: 2025-12 · Aircraft: DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced · Phase: takeoff

Anomalies: airspace-violation-all-types|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-far|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-unauthorized-flight-operations-uas

Synopsis

Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported conducting a UAS flight in controlled airspace without LAANC authorization.

Narrative

I am a newly licensed Remote Pilot (Part 107) and recently purchased my first non-recreational UAS. Years ago with my recreational UAS; I familiarized myself with airspace maps using DJI's software. At that time; the airspace above my private residence did not display any issues on the mapping software for flight. After my most recent purchase; during pre-flight check for the initial test flight; I briefly checked the FAA's airspace map to reaffirm my prior understanding. It appeared that my private residence was not in restricted airspace; but rather just outside the nearby Class D airspace. The DJI software I was using this time had just undergone a software update. It did not display to me any indication of being in a no-fly zone; which my previous recreational drone would do. I then conducted several test flights at maximum 80 ft AGL above and around my private residence before landing safely.Later the same day; while researching no-fly zones for a separate commercial operation I was planning at another location; I noticed a discrepancy in my earlier understanding. After cross-checking a few different airspace resources; I realized I apparently misread the first map. The Class D boundary was not where I understood it to be; and my residence is actually just inside the border.As soon as I recognized the error; I contacted the FAA to request guidance on the appropriate steps to take. My intent was to be transparent; take responsibility; and ensure proper compliance moving forward.In review of these events; I believe the primary contributing factor; besides my newness to non-recreational flight; was that my familiarity with the older boundaries/classifications led to an incorrect assumption that they remained the same. Secondly; a lack of knowledge as to what new mapping resources are available to professional UAS pilots. Third; I should've cross-checked the maps I relied on sooner.As corrective action; I have researched LAANC service providers such as Aloft and Autopylot to learn proper authorization procedures for controlled airspace. I have strengthened my understanding of my responsibilities and due diligence ahead of time as a Remote Pilot; and my commitment is to operate safely; responsibly; and in full compliance with FAA regulations going forward.

NASA callback

Reporter stated they only used DJI geoencing and FAA sectionals to check airspace but have now switched to LAANC apps.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.

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