Understanding UAS Regulations
Learn FAA requirements for legal UAS operations in the United States.
Determine Your Flight Type
The FAA has different rules depending on why you’re flying.
Flying for Fun (Recreational)
You’re flying recreationally if you fly purely for personal enjoyment with no compensation.
Examples:
- Taking photos for personal use
- Flying with friends at the park
- Racing drones as a hobby
- Learning to fly for enjoyment
Flying for Work (Commercial - Part 107)
You need a Part 107 certificate if you fly for any purpose other than pure recreation.
Examples:
- Real estate photography
- Roof inspections
- Wedding videography
- Agricultural surveys
- Any flying for payment or business purposes
- Volunteer work for organizations (even unpaid)
Important: Even if you’re not being paid directly, if the flight benefits a business or organization, it’s commercial.
When in doubt, fly under Part 107 commercial rules. This gives you the most flexibility and keeps you compliant.
Recreational Flying Requirements
To fly recreationally, you must:
- Register your drone (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free online safety test)
- Follow safety rules (below 400 ft, visual line of sight)
- Check airspace before every flight
- Follow a Community-Based Organization (like AMA)
Registration
Who needs to register:
- Drones weighing 0.55 lbs (250 grams) or more
- Must be 13 years or older
- Must be U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Cost: $5 for 3 years
How to register:
- Go to FAA DroneZone: https://faadronezone.faa.gov/
- Create an account
- Register your drone (takes 5 minutes)
- Receive registration number via email
- Mark your drone with registration number
Important: Carry proof of registration when flying.
TRUST Test
The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is a free online test required for all recreational flyers.
What it covers:
- Basic safety rules
- Airspace restrictions
- Weather considerations
- Emergency procedures
How to take TRUST:
- Free and available online
- Takes 30 minutes or less
- Multiple FAA-approved providers
- Instant completion certificate
- Keep certificate with you when flying
TRUST Providers:
- Pilot Institute: https://pilotinstitute.com/trust/
- AMA: https://trust.modelaircraft.org/
Commercial (Part 107) Requirements
To fly commercially, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Pass the Part 107 knowledge test (60 questions, $175)
- Register your drone ($5 for 3 years)
- Obtain airspace authorizations when needed (LAANC)
- Renew knowledge every 24 months (free online recurrent training)
Part 107 Knowledge Test
What’s covered:
- Regulations (Part 107)
- Airspace classification and operating requirements
- Weather sources and effects
- Emergency procedures
- Aircraft performance
- Crew resource management
- Radio communication
How to prepare:
- Study FAA resources
- Take practice tests
- Consider training courses
View our Part 107 Study Guide →
Airspace Authorization (LAANC)
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) provides near-instant airspace authorization in controlled airspace.
LAANC Providers:
- Aloft
- AirMap
- Kittyhawk
- DroneZone (FAA)
Core Safety Rules
All operators must:
- Fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace
- Keep drone in visual line of sight at all times
- Give way to manned aircraft
- Don’t fly over people (unless authorized)
- Don’t fly from moving vehicles (except in rural areas)
- No flying under the influence
- Avoid restricted airspace
Night Flying:
- Recreational: Allowed with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
- Part 107: Allowed with anti-collision lighting and night operations training
Restricted Airspace
Always avoid:
- Airports (without authorization)
- Military bases
- National security facilities
- Stadiums during events
- Emergency response areas
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Check airspace before every flight using B4UFLY app or approved alternatives.
Key Takeaways
Recreational flying requires registration, TRUST test, and following safety rules
Commercial flying requires Part 107 certificate and more stringent requirements
All operations must comply with airspace restrictions
Check regulations before every flight
Next Chapter
Now that you understand regulations, learn about essential equipment for safe operations.
Continue to Chapter 3: Essential Equipment →