Part 107 UAS pilot reported conducting a UAS flight without LAANC authorization.

Date: 2026-01 · Aircraft: DJI Mavic 4 Pro · Phase: cruise

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

Synopsis

Part 107 UAS pilot reported conducting a UAS flight without LAANC authorization.

Narrative

Despite several days of pre-flight planning and researching the class E airspace LAANC authorization availability surrounding ZZZ Airport; at the moment of the mission; I forgot to complete the LAANC authorization process in the Aloft Air Control app. I was in an area with automatic LAANC authorization up to 100 ft.; and flew at 98 ft and below; during the mission; but clearly violated protocol by failing to get LAANC authorization. How on earth did this happen? I have used the app and others many times for LAANC authorization and understand the procedure.Causes:1. Primary Cause: Insufficient Pre-Flight Check routine. 2. Hurry: Client was in a rush to get good lighting conditions; and I allowed this to impact my state of mind; feeling like I had to hurry up my pre-flight routine and get in the air.3. New Drone: Mavic 4 Pro drone was recently purchased and; while I spent time training and testing the drone prior to this mission; I think I was still in a learning phase with the new screen and control interface; which is different from my other drones.4. Tunnel Vision: During pre-flight check; I was so focused on ensuring my flight path would stay within the max 100 ft. LAANC Authorization area - checking every street with the Aloft map and marking all of my flight boundaries mentally - that I forgot to complete the actual authorization itself! Incredible. I only realized while reviewing the footage later and thinking through all the planning and mission outcomes; that I had not completed the authorization process.Remedies:1. I affixed a new bright orange 'FINAL Pre-Flight Check' list to my controller. 'Execute LAANC Authorization' is at the top of the list! I have also made a custom Pre-Flight Check List that will stay with the controller at all times - again; LAANC Authorization is top of list.2. I have added a category to my Pre-Flight Check: 'TAKE YOUR TIME; Always'. This reminds me to always take a breath and focus on big picture; and go through all hazards; all routines methodically; regardless of any perceived pressures from clients or myself. 'If we miss a shot because of pre-flight routine requirements - its okay...' 3. I plan on more training intervals with the new drone and more time online staying plugged in to evolving UAV flight rules and best practices.

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