All recreational flyers must pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of test passage (the TRUST completion certificate) to the FAA or law enforcement upon request. The FAA’s 2018 Reauthorization Bill (PDF) introduced new requirements for recreational pilots (see P.L. 115-254, Section Section 349 (PDF) – exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft).
Laws of the Sky
Part 107 Airspace Authorizations
This information is only for Drone pilots flying under the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Rule known as Part 107. The Operations Over People rule allows for routine operations of small UAS at night without a waiver.
UAS Remote Identification Overview
Drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are fundamentally changing aviation, and the FAA is committed to working to fully integrate drones into the National Airspace System (NAS). Safety and security are top priorities for the FAA and remote identification (remote ID) of drones is crucial to our integration efforts.
Operations Over People: A General Overview
The Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over People Final Rule is the next incremental step toward further integration of unmanned aircraft (UA) in the National Airspace System. The final rule allows routine operations over people and routine operations at night under certain circumstances. The rule will eliminate the need for typical operations to receive individual part 107 certificates of waivers from the FAA.
Where Can I Fly?
Anyone flying a drone is responsible for flying within FAA guidelines and regulations. That means it is up to you as a drone pilot to know the “Rules of the Sky,” and where it is and is not safe to fly so that your drone does not endanger people or other aircraft.
Certified Remote Pilots
If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Part 107 guidelines. To fly under Part 107 rules, there are 3 main steps. Make sure you understand what is and is not allowed under Part 107 rules. If you are not sure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended operation check our user identification tool.
Recreational Flyers
The rule for operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones under 55 pounds in the National Airspace System (NAS) is 14 CFR Part 107, referred to as the Small UAS Rule. However, if you want to fly a drone for purely recreational purposes, there is a limited statutory exception (“carve out”) that provides a basic set of requirements.
Become a Drone Pilot
In order to fly your drone under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This certificate demonstrates that you understand the regulations, operating requirements and procedures for safely flying drones.
Part 107 Waiver
A waiver is an official document issued by the FAA which approves certain operations of aircraft outside the limitations of regulation. You may request to fly specific drone operations not allowed under Part 107 by requesting an operational waiver. These waivers allow drone pilots to deviate from certain rules under Part 107 by demonstrating they can still fly safely using alternative methods.