FAA to Release Maps to Speed Drone Operators' Applications for Airport Airspace Access

The Federal Aviation Administration will release the first set of informational maps April 27, aimed at speeding drone operators' applications to get controlled access to airspace near airports, said the agency in a Monday news release. The FAA said the "facility maps" will help remote pilots customize requests "to align with locations and altitudes that the maps indicate are likely to be approved for small [unmanned aircraft systems] operations." The maps don't guarantee approval for a request, but could help simplify the process and improve an application's chances, said the FAA. The first set will contain about 200 maps, with more planned for release over the next year, it said.