ASRS 2279077

A 107 Pilot conducting Recreational Operations flew a small UAS in Class C airspace at ZZZ over 3-4 occasions over the PIC's private property on or about Day 0. The sUAS was never in a near-miss situation with other aircraft. The operator, a Part 61 Certificate Holder with the US military, acquired a drone and did not utilize the LAANC system to obtain approval to fly his sUAS in this airspace. The operator, who had just acquired this sUAS, opted to not fly over 150 feet to not put aircraft in jeopardy, but was not aware of his requirement to obtain LAANC approval despite accomplishing mandatory FAA training. The operator had a misconception that sUAS flying below 400 feet did not need LAANC approval. After research, the operator immediately ceased operations of the sUAS unless LAANC approval was obtained or through DroneZone, finding out that the controlled airspace for class C began at the surface. While no aircraft were harmed and no near-miss occurred, the remote PIC will check on approved sources to acquire LAANC approval or DroneZone, before flying in any airspace and acquire appropriate approvals before conducting operations. The remote PIC did not do proper research before flying, and had only just acquired his temporary license and had only just acquired his sUAS. After corrective action, this will not happen again.