The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)

What is TRUST?

The law requires that all recreational flyers pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of passage if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel. The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) was developed to meet this requirement. 

TRUST provides education and testing 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. (https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers)

TRUST was developed in collaboration with drone stakeholders to determine content, and how it would be administered. Since June 2021, we have worked with a group of approved Test Administrators to provide TRUST as an online test. We in the FAA provide the TRUST content to the approved test administrators who, in turn, provide the online test to you, the recreational flyer. (https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/knowledge_test_updates#TAs)
We recommend you try out https://Trust.pilotinstitute.com
Before you fly your drone
Note: If your drone weighs more than .55 pounds (lbs), you must register your drone through the FAA's Drone Zone. (https://faadronezone.faa.gov/)

To fly your drone as a recreational flyer, it’s as easy as 1-2-3

1. Understand recreational flying requirements

• Visit the Recreational Flyers page to learn about rules for recreational flyers. (https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers)

• Download the FAA's B4UFLY mobile app for more recreational drone flying resources. (https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly)

2. Take TRUST

• You may take the free online test through any of the FAA approved test administrators.

• All FAA-approved TRUST test administrators offer the test free.

• All test questions are correctable to 100% prior to issuing your completion certificate.

• After completing TRUST, you'll need to download, save or print your completion certificate.

• If you lose your certificate, you will need to re-take TRUST.

• View a list of TRUST Test Administrators 

3. Receive your certificate

• After you pass the test, you will receive a certificate from the test administrator you selected.

• Test administrators will not keep a record of your certificate. You must present a copy of your certificate if asked by law enforcement officers.

Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators
(aka Part 107 pilot)

What is Part 107?

Part 107 is the regulation regarding flying of drones for anything except pure recreational use(see page 1).  So taking photos & videos for real estate listings, content creation, data capture for yourself or others all fall under Part 107.  Anything that is used in the course of business is considered to fall under Part 107.

Why should you get a part 107 certificate?
If you are a business owner or work for a business there are a number of considerations.  Just like carrying insurance to drive an automobile for your business you want to protect that method of income.  If you are a contractor you don’t want to do work you are not licensed to avoid fines or even loss of your license.  Real Estate brokers may lose their insurance or broker license if they fly drones without having a part 107 certificate.   

Do you need insurance to fly a drone?
No.  Insurance is not a requirement of flying a drone but this is best practice.  If a drone falls out of the sky and injures a person or that ferrari, who is going to pay for it?  Not only did you lose the drone to damage but you might have a big lawsuit on your hands. 

To Find out more visit: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators