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New to drones? This guide walks you through everything you need to know to fly legally and safely in the United States.

Whether you’re flying for fun or starting a drone business, we’ll help you understand FAA requirements and get you in the air the right way.

Step 1: Determine Your Flight Type

The FAA has different rules depending on why you’re flying. Choose the path that matches your situation:

Flying for Fun (Recreational)

You’re flying recreationally if you fly purely for personal enjoyment with no compensation of any kind.

Examples of recreational flying:

  • Taking photos for personal use
  • Flying with friends at the park
  • Racing drones as a hobby
  • Learning to fly for enjoyment

Jump to Recreational Requirements →

Flying for Work (Commercial - Part 107)

You need a Part 107 certificate if you fly for any purpose other than pure recreation.

Examples of commercial flying:

  • 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.

Jump to Commercial Requirements →

Not Sure Which One?

When in doubt, fly under Part 107 commercial rules. This gives you the most flexibility and keeps you compliant with FAA regulations.

Recreational Flying

Requirements Checklist

To fly recreationally, you must:

☐ 1. Register your drone (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
☐ 2. Pass the TRUST test (free online safety test)
☐ 3. Follow safety rules (below 400 ft, visual line of sight, etc.)
☐ 4. Check airspace before every flight
☐ 5. Follow a Community-Based Organization (like AMA)

Let’s break down each requirement:

1. Register Your Drone

Who needs to register:

  • Drones weighing 0.55 lbs (250 grams) or more
  • Must be 13 years or older (or have parent/guardian register)
  • Must be U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident

Cost: $5 for 3 years

How to register:

  1. Go to FAA DroneZone
  2. Create an account
  3. Register your drone (takes 5 minutes)
  4. Receive registration number via email
  5. Mark your drone with the registration number (visible on outside or in battery compartment)

Important: Carry proof of registration (digital or paper) when flying.

2. Pass the 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 (digital or paper)

TRUST Providers:

Note: If you lose your certificate, you must retake the test.

3. Follow Safety Rules

Core Rules for Recreational Flying:

✓ Fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
✓ Keep drone in visual line of sight at all times
✓ Give way to manned aircraft - they always have right of way
✓ Don’t fly over people unless they’re directly participating
✓ Don’t fly from moving vehicles (unless in sparsely populated areas)
✓ No flying under the influence of drugs or alcohol
✓ Avoid restricted airspace (airports, military bases, stadiums)

Night Flying:

  • Allowed if drone has anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
  • Lighting must be visible from takeoff through landing

4. Check Airspace Before Every Flight

Use the B4UFLY App (or approved alternatives):

  • Shows where you can and cannot fly
  • Displays airspace restrictions
  • Alerts you to Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
  • Free download for iOS and Android

FAA-Approved B4UFLY Providers:

  • Aloft
  • AirMap
  • Kittyhawk
  • Airspace Link
  • UASidekick

Red Zones (No Flying):

  • Within 5 miles of airports (without authorization)
  • National Parks
  • Military installations
  • Washington, D.C. area (30-mile radius)
  • Stadiums during events
  • Emergency response areas
  • Active TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions)

5. Follow Community-Based Organization Guidelines

The FAA requires recreational flyers to follow safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO).

Recommended CBO:

  • Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) - Most popular choice
  • Provides safety guidelines
  • Offers insurance for members
  • Access to flying fields

You don’t need to join, but you must follow their safety guidelines.

Quick Start Summary (Recreational)

Total Time: ~1 hour
Total Cost: $5 (registration only)

  1. Register drone at DroneZone - 5 min, $5
  2. Pass TRUST test - 30 min, FREE
  3. Download B4UFLY app - 5 min, FREE
  4. Mark drone with registration number - 2 min
  5. Print/save certificates - 2 min
  6. Go fly!

Commercial (Part 107) Flying

Requirements Checklist

To fly commercially under Part 107, you must:

☐ 1. Be at least 16 years old
☐ 2. Pass the Part 107 knowledge test (60 questions, $175)
☐ 3. Register your drone ($5 for 3 years)
☐ 4. Obtain airspace authorizations when needed (LAANC)
☐ 5. Renew knowledge every 24 months (free online recurrent training)

1. Age Requirement

Must be at least 16 years old to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.

2. Pass the Part 107 Knowledge Test

Test Details:

  • 60 multiple-choice questions
  • 2-hour time limit
  • 70% passing score (42 questions correct)
  • Cost: $175
  • Location: FAA-approved testing centers (PSI/CATS)

What’s tested:

  • Regulations (15-20%)
  • Airspace (15-20%)
  • Weather (15-20%)
  • Performance & Loading (10-15%)
  • Operations (15-20%)
  • Aeronautical Decision Making (5-10%)

How to prepare:

Option 1: Self-Study (Free)

Option 2: Paid Courses ($100-$300)

  • Pilot Institute
  • Drone Pilot Ground School
  • Remote Pilot 101
  • Study time: 10-20 hours

Option 3: Professional Training We offer comprehensive Part 107 prep as part of our training programs, including exam fee funding (up to 2 attempts).

Learn about our training programs →

3. Register Your Drone (Part 107)

Same process as recreational, but with Part 107 account:

  1. Go to FAA DroneZone
  2. Create Part 107 account
  3. Register drones in UAS inventory
  4. Cost: $5 per drone for 3 years

For businesses:

  • Create organization account
  • Add multiple drones to inventory
  • Designate administrators and users
  • Manage waivers and authorizations centrally

4. Obtain Airspace Authorizations

Flying in controlled airspace requires authorization.

Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability provides near-instant authorization.

Benefits:

  • Approvals in seconds to minutes
  • Available in most controlled airspace
  • Valid up to 400 feet AGL
  • Free (or small app fee)

LAANC Providers:

  • Aloft
  • AirMap
  • Kittyhawk
  • Airspace Link
  • UASidekick

How to use LAANC:

  1. Download approved app
  2. Create account
  3. Select flight location
  4. Request authorization
  5. Receive instant approval (or denial)
  6. Save approval on your device

Manual Authorization

If LAANC isn’t available or you need >400 ft altitude:

  1. Apply via FAA DroneZone
  2. Submit request 90+ days in advance
  3. Wait for FAA review
  4. Receive approval or denial

5. Maintain Currency

Part 107 certificates require recurrent training every 24 months.

Free online courses:

  • Part 107 Recurrent Training (ALC-677) - All Part 107 pilots
  • Available through FAA Safety
  • Takes 1-2 hours
  • Instant completion certificate

Your certificate expires if you don’t complete recurrent training within 24 months.

Part 107 Operating Rules

Altitude:

  • Maximum 400 feet AGL
  • Exception: Within 400 ft of structures

Speed:

  • Maximum 100 mph groundspeed

Visibility:

  • Minimum 3 statute miles

Cloud Clearance:

  • 500 feet below
  • 2,000 feet horizontal

Visual Line of Sight:

  • Must maintain unaided visual contact with drone
  • FPV goggles alone do not meet VLOS requirement

Night Operations:

  • Allowed with recurrent night training
  • Drone must have anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles

Operations Over People: Allowed under specific categories based on aircraft weight and design.

Quick Start Summary (Part 107)

Total Time: 4-8 weeks (including study time)
Total Cost: $180+ (test + registration)

  1. Study for Part 107 - 20-40 hours
  2. Schedule test at PSI - $175
  3. Pass test (70% required)
  4. Apply in IACRA - 30 min, FREE
  5. Register drones in DroneZone - $5 each
  6. Download LAANC app - FREE
  7. Start flying commercially!

Essential Tools & Apps

Must-Have Apps

B4UFLY - Check airspace restrictions
LAANC Provider (Aloft, AirMap, etc.) - Get airspace authorizations
UAV Forecast - Weather conditions for flying
ADS-B Exchange - Track manned aircraft nearby

Useful Websites

FAA DroneZone - Registration and authorizations
TFR List - Temporary Flight Restrictions
SkyVector - Sectional charts
Aviation Weather - Official aviation weather

Common Questions

Do I need insurance?

Not legally required, but highly recommended:

Recreational: Consider hobby insurance (often included with AMA membership)
Commercial: Absolutely get liability insurance ($1-2 million minimum)

Popular providers: SkyWatch, Thimble, Verifly

Can I fly at night?

Recreational: Yes, with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles

Part 107: Yes, but requires completion of recurrent training that includes night operations

Can I fly near airports?

Yes, with authorization:

  • Use LAANC for controlled airspace
  • Check B4UFLY before every flight
  • Never fly within 5 miles of airports without authorization

What about flying over people?

Recreational: Avoid flying over non-participants

Part 107: Allowed under specific categories based on aircraft weight and design certification

Do I need a license to fly FPV (First Person View)?

Recreational: No additional license, but follow all safety rules (VLOS requirement may require spotter)

Commercial: Same Part 107 requirements apply

What happens if I break the rules?

Penalties can include:

  • Civil fines up to $27,500
  • Criminal penalties (for serious violations)
  • Certificate suspension or revocation
  • Possible jail time for egregious violations

The FAA takes violations seriously. Always fly safely and legally.

Take Your Skills Further

Free Resources

We offer comprehensive free resources for new pilots:

Browse all free resources →

Professional Training

Ready to go beyond the basics?

Passing the Part 107 exam gets you certified, but real proficiency requires hands-on training.

Our programs develop measurable, demonstrable skills:

  • Build and fly your own aircraft
  • ArduPilot autonomous systems
  • Field fabrication and sustainment
  • FPV systems integration
  • Real-world capability assessment

Explore Training Programs | Contact Us

Quick Reference Cards

Recreational Flying Quick Card

✓ Register drone ($5)
✓ Pass TRUST test (free)
✓ Follow CBO guidelines
✓ Keep drone in sight
✓ Below 400 feet
✓ Give way to aircraft
✓ Check B4UFLY app
✓ Carry certificates

Part 107 Flying Quick Card

✓ Be 16+ years old
✓ Pass Part 107 test ($175)
✓ Register drone ($5)
✓ Get LAANC authorization
✓ Max 400 ft AGL
✓ Max 100 mph
✓ 3 SM visibility
✓ VLOS required
✓ Renew every 24 months

Ready to Fly?

Recreational pilots: Complete TRUST test and registration today - you can be flying this week!

Commercial pilots: Start studying for Part 107 now - with focused study, you can be certified in 4-8 weeks.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Get Free Resources | View Training Programs | Contact Us

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the latest requirements on the official FAA website. Regulations are subject to change.

Last Updated: February 2026