RECREATIONAL USERS - Know Before You Fly (2024)

If you want to fly drones or model aircraft for fun, we recommend flying within the programming of a community-based organization such as theAcademy of Model Aeronautics(AMA).
Register with the FAA athttps://faadronezone.faa.gov/.
Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage.
Keep your aircraft in eyesight at all times, and use an observer to assist if needed.
Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.
Do not fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain well clear from individuals and vulnerable property.
Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.
Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the UAS.
Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, etc.
Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission.

Users of both commercial and recreational UAS should be aware that in remote, rural and agricultural areas, manned aircraft, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, may be operating very close to ground level. Pilots conducting agricultural, firefighting, law enforcement, emergency medical, wildlife survey operations and a variety of other services all legally and routinely work in low-level airspace. Operators controlling UAS in these areas should maintain situational awareness, give way to, and remain a safe distance from these low-level, manned airplanes and helicopters.

Interested in Learning More?

Check outWhat to know before you fly, an educational course from the AMA that teaches the basics of UAS, their operation and the airspace.

Where Can I Fly?

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), founded in 1936, is the world’s largest community-based organization whose members fly model aircraft for recreational and educational purposes. Their more than 200,000 members receive up to $2.5 million in insurance coverage and the opportunity to fly at more than 2,500 flying sites across the country.

Find the AMA flying site closest to you.

The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)

TRUST stands for The Recreational UAS Safety Test. It provides education and testing for recreational drone flyers on important safety and regulatory information. If you fly your drone recreationally under the Exception for Recreational Flyers, you must pass the test before you fly. Federal law requires all recreational flyers to pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test. The FAA developed The Recreational UAS Safety Test to meet this requirement.

TRUST is free, can be taken online through a variety of FAA-approved test administrators, and typically takes 30 minutes or less to complete. After you pass the test, you will receive a completion certificate. Be sure to keep this certificate with you when you fly your drone, either in paper or electronic format. Test administrators will not keep a record of your completion certificate, therefore if you lose your certificate, you need re-take the TRUST.

The below organizations have all been approved by the FAA to administer the TRUST as of April 2022:

The FAA’s list of approved TRUST administrators can be found here.