Fly in 0ft LAANC Grids: The 2026 Further Coordination Guide

For the uninitiated drone pilot, opening your flight control app and seeing a bright red grid labeled "0ft" usually signals the end of the mission. It implies a hard wall—a "No-Fly Zone" enforced by the proximity of a runway or a helipad. However, for the professional Part 107 operator, a 0ft LAANC grid is not a stop sign; it is merely a yield sign that requires a specific, often misunderstood administrative key to unlock.

In 2026, the airspace landscape has shifted. With Remote ID enforcement now automated and new restrictions regarding federal assets coming online, "flying under the radar" is no longer a viable (or legal) strategy. If you need to inspect a roof in a zero-grid near a Class C airport, or film real estate near a hospital helipad, you must master the art of FAA further coordination.

This guide acts as your blueprint for navigating the complex layer of airspace authorization that exists between instant LAANC approval and long-term waivers. We will deconstruct how to write a safety justification that satisfies Air Traffic Control (ATC), how to time your requests, and how to operate legally in the most scrutinized sectors of the National Airspace System (NAS).

Understanding the Mechanics of the 0ft Grid

To secure a controlled airspace unlock, you must first understand why the grid is set to zero. The FAA’s UAS Facility Maps (UASFM) divide controlled airspace into square grids. The number in the grid (0, 50, 100, 200, 400) represents the maximum altitude for automatic approval.

A 0ft grid typically indicates one of three things:

• Final Approach/Departure Paths: You are directly in line with a runway.
• Surface Loitering Areas: Areas where manned aircraft may be maneuvering at very low altitudes (e.g., helicopter routes).
• Sensitive Infrastructure: Proximity to towers or navigational aids.

When you request access to a 50ft grid, the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) computer system checks your request against the map and says "Yes." When you request access to a 0ft grid, the computer says, "I cannot decide; a human Air Traffic Manager (ATM) must review this." This human review process is what the FAA calls "Further Coordination."

The 2026 Regulatory Environment

Before attempting a Further Coordination request, it is vital to understand the current enforcement climate. As we analyzed in our report on FAA Remote ID fines in 2026, the FAA is no longer issuing warnings for airspace violations. Digital license plates on drones mean that flying in a 0ft grid without a valid authorization code is an immediate flag in the system.

Furthermore, new complications have arisen. Recent reports from DroneLife highlight FAA NOTAMs banning flights near moving federal assets. This means even if you secure a 0ft grid authorization, you must be hyper-aware of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) or "moving bubbles" created by DHS vehicles. A static authorization does not override a dynamic security event. For a detailed protocol on handling these dynamic restrictions, refer to our guide on the DHS "Moving Asset" NOTAM.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Successful Further Coordination Request

The difference between an approval and a denial often comes down to the quality of data provided to the Air Traffic Manager. Do not rely on the default settings of your LAANC service provider.

1. Choose the Right Service Provider

While many apps offer LAANC, not all handle Further Coordination elegantly. In 2026, the leading platforms allow you to append a "Safety Justification" or "Safety Explanation." If your app does not give you a text box to write a note to ATC, do not use it for 0ft requests. You need that text box to advocate for your flight.

2. Timing Your Request

Part 107 airspace waiver requests via DroneZone can take 90 days. LAANC Further Coordination is designed to be faster, but it is not instant. The system allows you to file up to 90 days in advance, but the sweet spot is usually 3 to 7 days before the operation.

Pro Tip: Do not file a Further Coordination request for a flight occurring in 2 hours. ATC personnel prioritize active air traffic. If you submit a request for "today," it will likely be ignored or auto-expired. Give them at least 24-48 hours to review the ticket.

3. Writing the "Safety Explanation"

This is the most critical step. When the ATM opens your request, they want to know why allowing your drone into their critical airspace won't cause a mid-air collision. A generic "I will fly safely" will be rejected instantly.

Your explanation must address three pillars: Visibility, Communication, and Containment.

The "Golden Template" for Authorization:

"Commercial roof inspection. Max altitude 40ft AGL (below surrounding tree line/structures). PIC will maintain 2-way communication via cell [Insert Number]. Visual Observer (VO) will be utilized to monitor inbound traffic. In event of manned aircraft approach, UAS will immediately land. Launch/Land point is shielded by building structure."

Why this works:

• Altitude Context: You aren't just asking for 40ft; you are noting that 40ft is below the obstacles already present (trees/buildings), meaning you pose no new hazard to aircraft.
• Communication: You provided a phone number. ATC rarely calls, but they want the option.
• Mitigation: You explicitly mentioned a Visual Observer and a "shielded" launch point.

For more on how to interpret technical flight data to ensure you are flying within these tight parameters, review our guide on flight log forensics.

The Technical Requirements for 0ft Operations

Flying in a 0ft grid often requires higher precision than open airspace. If you are approved for a 0ft grid, the authorization usually comes with a hard altitude cap—sometimes as low as 50ft or 75ft AGL. Your altimetry data must be impeccable.

Standard barometric altimeters can drift. For operations in critical airspace, consider hardware that utilizes RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning for vertical accuracy. If you are unsure if your current airframe is up to the task, consult our audit on RTK vs. GPS upgrades to see if your equipment meets the precision threshold required for tight controlled airspace.

What to Do If Further Coordination is Denied

Rejection is common. If your request is denied, the response usually includes a reason code. Common reasons include "Traffic Volume," "Emergency Operations," or "Insufficient Safety Mitigation."

Strategy A: Resubmit with Lower Parameters

If you requested 100ft in a 0ft grid, try resubmitting for 50ft. Often, the ATM is willing to grant access to the "shielded" area (below rooflines) but is uncomfortable with higher altitudes.

Strategy B: The Manual 107.41 Waiver

If LAANC Further Coordination is consistently denied, or if the grid is "red" (Prohibited/Restricted) rather than just "0ft" (controlled), you must exit the LAANC system and use the FAA DroneZone portal.

Here, you will file for a Part 107.41 Airspace Authorization. This is a manual process where you can upload detailed maps, diagrams, and specific operational risk assessments. This is necessary for long-term projects (e.g., a 6-month construction site monitoring gig near an airport). These take 30-90 days to process, so plan accordingly.

The "Shielding" Argument in 2026

A major development in 2026 airspace policy discussions involves the concept of "Shielding." This refers to flying within 100 feet of a structure, even in controlled airspace. While the FAA has historically been cautious here, industry advocacy groups like AUVSI have pushed for streamlined approvals when the drone is physically incapable of interfering with manned traffic because a building is in the way.

When applying for LAANC manual approval, explicitly using the term "Shielded Operation" in your safety justification signals to the ATM that you understand the geometry of the risk. You are telling them, "I am flying where a Cessna physically cannot go."

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. The "Phone Number" Error: Many pilots forget to update their phone number in their LAANC provider profile. If ATC tries to call you for clarification and gets a disconnected line, they will deny the request immediately.
2. Grid Boundary violations: Ensure your flight plan polygon does not accidentally clip into a "Prohibited" zone or a TFR. Even a few feet of overlap can cause an automated rejection before a human ever sees it.
3. Ignoring NOTAMs: As noted by sUAS News, the regulatory environment is tightening. Always check Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) after getting your LAANC approval. An approval received on Tuesday is void if a VIP TFR pops up on Wednesday.

Conclusion

Mastering fly in 0ft LAANC grids separates the hobbyists from the professionals. It requires patience, precise communication, and a deep understanding of Part 107 regulations. By utilizing the "Further Coordination" tools correctly and writing compelling safety justifications, you can unlock vast areas of profitable airspace that your competitors assume are off-limits.

Remember, the airspace is shared. Your ability to access 0ft grids relies on the trust you build with Air Traffic Control. Fly precisely, communicate clearly, and never fly without that authorization code.