Recreational Flyers

Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations

Source: FAA

Release Date: September 2, 2021

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.

The Recreational UAS Safety Test or TRUST is available! Recreational flyers are encouraged to take and pass TRUST at their earliest opportunity and carry proof of passage when flying.

What is a Recreational Flight?

Many people assume that a recreational flight is one that is not operated for a business or any form of compensation. But, that’s not always the case. Financial compensation, or the lack of it, is not what determines if the flight is recreational or commercial. The following information can be used to help you determine what rules you should be operating under. Remember, the default regulation for drones weighing under 55 pounds is Part 107. The exception for recreational flyers only applies to flights that are purely for fun or personal enjoyment. When in doubt, fly under Part 107.

Note: Non-recreational purposes include things like taking photos to help sell a property or service, roof inspections, or taking pictures of a high school football game for the school’s website. Goodwill or other non-monetary value can also be considered indirect compensation. This would include things like volunteering to use your drone to survey coastlines on behalf of a non-profit organization. Recreational flight is simply flying for fun or personal enjoyment.

What are the Rules for Recreational Flyers?

The Exception for Limited Operation of Unmanned Aircraft (USC 44809) is the law that describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules will keep people, your drone, and our airspace safe:

  1. Fly only for recreational purposes (enjoyment).
  2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO).

Note: We have not yet begun officially recognizing CBOs. Recreational flyers are directed to follow the safety guidelines of existing aeromodelling organizations or use the FAA-provided safety guidelines per Advisory Circular 91-57B.

  1. Keep your drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
  2. Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft.
  3. Fly at or below 400′ in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) only with prior authorization by using LAANC or DroneZone.
  4. Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.

Note: Flying drones in certain airspace is not allowed. Classes of airspace and flying restrictions can be found on our B4UFLY app or the UAS Facility Maps webpage.

  1. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage.
  2. Have a current registration, mark (PDF) your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration with you.
  3. Do not operate your drone in a dangerous manner. For example:

o      Do not interfere with emergency response or law enforcement activities.

o      Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Individuals violating any of these rules, and/or operating in a dangerous manner, may be subject to FAA enforcement action.

For more information, read Advisory Circular 91-57B.

The Creative Team

Creative Drone Concepts, Inc in association with Creative Teamwork Entertainment, Inc are production companies based in Los Angeles providing children and family entertainment. As industry professionals, we bring experience, credits, affiliations, awards, and bankable skills. Our goal is to create, develop and produce quality programming. Together, we are a multi-faceted, one-stop production company that brings together a highly skilled, innovative, and successful team of individuals with several decades of industry experience.

Awards & Memberships

The principals of Creative Drone Concepts Inc, in association with Creative Teamwork Entertainment Inc have earned 12 Emmy Awards, 57th Annual Grammy Awards Nomination, Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema 2022, Australia Film Festival 2022, Los Angeles Motion Picture Festival 2022, China Film Festival 2022, Mexico Film Festival Awards 2022, Bridge Fest 2021, Symbiotic Film Festival 2022, IndieX Film Fest 2021, and
Independent Shorts Festival 2021. Memberships include Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Society of Camera Operators (SOC) and Experimental Aircraft
Association (EAA).

Projects In Development

Creative Drone Concepts, Inc., in association with Creative Teamwork Entertainment, Inc. has developed an original news magazine television show concept called “The Drone Chronicles.” The show will be broadcast on television, over the Internet, and on mobile devices, and will feature breakthrough technology transforming today’s world of drones. The show will also cover real-life stories about drones not seen on regular newscasts or other shows, including pilot profiles, in-depth coverage of drones, hot-topic interviews, and other information related to the commercialization of drones. The production companies have also developed a kids’ version of The Drone Chronicles tentatively entitled, “Kidding Around with Drones.” To date, the production companies have produced three (3) sizzle reels showcasing The Drone Chronicles (English version), Las Cronicas De Los Drones (Spanish version), and Kidding Around with Drones. Other shows currently in development include a competition-based reality television show involving drones that will appeal to a broad audience.