FAA order lets tower-inspection drones fly above LAANC grids
A new FAA order, effective October 31, allows some line-of-sight tower inspections without calling the control tower.
The US aviation agency changed a rule for drones that inspect tall towers near airports. Pilots may now skip one phone call, but they must stay very close to the tower.
Hype check
Quieter than it deserves. This one matters more than the coverage suggests.
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Why it matters
Pilots who inspect cell towers and tall buildings near airports get a simpler path. Strict limits still apply.
Skip: nothing changes for you.
The details
- FAA Order JO 7200.23E was issued October 1 and takes effect October 31, 2026.
- Part 107 pilots can inspect vertical structures above the LAANC grid ceiling without tower coordination.
- The drone must stay within 100 feet horizontally of the structure and no more than 100 feet above its top.
- It must stay 2 nautical miles from runways and heliports unless separately authorized.
- Bridges and power lines do not qualify; requests still go through FAADroneZone.
Receipts
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