What is drone mission planning software?

Drone mission planning software lets commercial drone operators design automated flight paths before takeoff. You define survey areas, set altitude and camera parameters, and the software generates optimized waypoint routes. Dronelytics adds real-time FAA airspace data so you can plan compliant missions with LAANC zones, TFRs, and restricted areas visible on the map.

Yes. Dronelytics is free during open beta with no credit card required. All mission types, airspace layers, and features including terrain follow are included at no cost. Founding members will receive locked-in pricing when paid plans launch.

What airspace data does Dronelytics show?

Dronelytics displays 7 FAA airspace data layers: LAANC authorization ceilings, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), Special Use Airspace (SUAs), military operation areas, stadium flight restrictions, FRIA boundaries for recreational flyers, and National Security UAS Flight Restriction areas (NSUFR).

What drones are compatible with Dronelytics?

Dronelytics supports DJI, Autel Robotics, PX4 Autopilot, and ArduPilot platforms. Mission plans can be exported for use with these drone systems.

What is terrain follow in drone mission planning?

Terrain follow (also called AGL or above-ground-level mode) automatically adjusts waypoint altitudes to maintain a constant height above the ground across hilly or uneven terrain. Without terrain follow, a drone flying at a fixed altitude gets closer to the ground on upslopes and farther away on downslopes, degrading photo quality and risking collision. Dronelytics includes terrain follow for free — competitors like Dronelink charge $18/month extra for this feature.

What mission types can I plan with Dronelytics?

Dronelytics supports rectangle grid, polygon grid, and circle grid surveys for area mapping; orbit, spiral, and panorama missions for point-of-interest inspection; and corridor and waypoint paths for linear features like roads and pipelines. Pre-built templates are available for real estate aerial photography, roof inspection, construction progress, agricultural surveys, property boundaries, tower inspection, stockpile volume measurement, and linear corridor mapping.

Can I Fly My Drone Here?/Charlotte, NC

Can I Fly a Drone in Charlotte, NC?

CLT Class B covers western Charlotte and the airport corridor. Eastern Charlotte and suburbs have better ceilings.

Charlotte is a major hub so Class B extends widely. Eastern suburbs (Matthews, Mint Hill, Indian Trail) and areas toward Lake Norman in the north offer better airspace.

Check Charlotte Airspace Now

See LAANC ceilings, TFRs, military zones, national parks, and stadium restrictions for the Charlotte area on one interactive map.

Open Charlotte Airspace Map

No account required

Airports Near Charlotte

Charlotte has one major airport that creates controlled airspace in the area.

Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)

Class B - most restrictive. LAANC required, many grid squares at 0 feet near the airport.

Class B

Restrictions in Charlotte

Beyond airport airspace, these restrictions affect drone flights in the Charlotte area:

-Stadiums: Bank of America Stadium
-Carowinds theme park area has occasional TFRs

Three Things to Check Before Flying in Charlotte

1. FAA Airspace

Is your specific location in controlled airspace? If yes, check the LAANC ceiling. The Charlotte airspace map shows exactly where controlled airspace starts and stops.

2. Land Rules

Does the property owner or land manager allow drones? National parks, some city parks, and private property may have separate drone restrictions regardless of FAA airspace.

3. TFRs (Temporary Restrictions)

Check for temporary flight restrictions the day of your flight. TFRs appear for events, VIP travel, wildfires, and emergencies. They won't show on a static map - use a live airspace map to see current TFRs.

Frequently Asked Questions