TRUST: New Regulations for Recreational Drone Pilots

The FAA implements The Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Test (TRUST)

July 1, 2021

As of June 2021, all drone pilots, both commercial and recreational, must pass a test before legally flying in the U.S. For years, only commercial drone pilots were required to get a license, which is acquired by passing the Part 107 Test. Now, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has implemented The Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Test, or TRUST to ensure that recreational pilots are familiar with the guidelines and understand proper drone operation.

The FAA enlisted various Approved Test Administrators to administer the online exam for free. The exam features two sections: the first section provides the user with all the information they need, and the second section is a series of multiple-choice questions. Pilots can complete the entire exam in less than an hour. After you finished TRUST, you will receive a certificate of completion, and you will need to keep it on your person whenever flying your drone.

With recreational drones both inexpensive and easily attainable these days, the FAA’s goal of implementing TRUST is providing a simple, quick way for recreational pilots to be aware of guidelines they will need to follow. Since TRUST is free, online, and can be completed promptly, more recreational pilots should be better prepared when they take to the skies. Once passing the exam, pilots will still need to adhere to the following:

  • Follow the safety guidelines of a Community Based Organization (CBO)
  • Keep your drone in your visual line of sight (VLOS)
  • Always give way and never interfere with manned aircraft
  • Get an airspace authorization before flying in controlled airspace
  • Do not fly higher than 122 m (400 feet) above the ground in uncontrolled airspace
  • Mark your drone with its registration number

Here is a list of FAA Approved Test Administrators of TRUST when you can complete the exam:

For more information about The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), vist the FAA website.


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