Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your FAA questions.
For civil operations, with a UAS or drone greater than 55 pounds, you would need to obtain an exemption the Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems (U.S.C. 44807).
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What are the special considerations that need to be taken into account when flying drones near air force bases?
Upon the successful passage of TRUST, the test administrator will issue a certificate to the recreational flyer. The certificate will contain a random, 15-digit alpha numeric token. The first four characters identify the test administrator. The test administrator will provide the 15-digit alpha numeric token to the FAA. Neither the test administrator, nor the FAA, will maintain personally identifiable information about the recreational flyer.
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- All applicants must bring a valid and current form of identification that includes their photo, date of birth, signature, and physical residential address. Acceptable forms of identification include:
| U.S. Citizen and Resident Aliens | Non-U.S. Citizens |
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More information is available in the FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (PDF).
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The test consists of 23 questions that focus on the following topics:
- Understanding the requirements for recreational flyers;
- Identifying airspace restrictions;
- Requesting authorization for controlled airspace;
- Conducting pre-flight assessments;
- Following community based organization (CBO) safety guidelines;
- Maintaining visual line-of-sight;
- Getting to know your drone; and
- Joining the community to keep learning.
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The Recreational UAS Safety Test.
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The UPP results are expected to provide an understanding of the level of investment required for implementation of the UTM ecosystem. Upon completion, the FAA will evaluate the results and determine the appropriate next steps.
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You may retake the test after 14 days.
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ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) provides real-time precision and shared situational awareness to pilots and air traffic controllers. It's a foundational NextGen technology. U.S. aircraft must be equipped with ADB-B by January 1, 2020. ADS-B is a Part 91 regulation, and most small UAS or drones operate under Part 107. Some type of remote ID may be required in the future, but how the system would work and the requirements has not been finalized.
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An unmanned aircraft system is an unmanned aircraft and the equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of that aircraft. An unmanned aircraft is a component of a UAS. It is defined by statute as an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft (Public Law 112-95, Section 331(8)).
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The FAA recognizes that the current process needs to be streamlined to allow for more rapid access to the NAS.
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Recreational or hobby UAS or drone use is flying for enjoyment and not for work, business purposes, or for compensation or hire. In the FAA's Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, the FAA relied on the ordinary, dictionary definition of these terms.
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Please see the state and local fact sheet available on FAA's Policy Document Library.
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Congress set no minimum age. All persons operating a drone under the exception for limited recreational operations are required to take and successfully pass TRUST.
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The purpose of the UPP is to demonstrate the integration of a prototype enterprise service into the FAA framework to support initial UAS traffic management (UTM) operations. This enterprise service will be used for sharing of intent and situational awareness information between the FAA and UTM operators.
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TRUST is an aeronautical knowledge and safety test developed by the FAA for recreational drone flyers. All recreational drone flyers flying under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft must take and pass TRUST at their earliest opportunity and carry proof of passage when flying.
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Federal agencies are public agencies and as such operate under the same rules of those of a city, county, state or tribal agency.
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If the UAS or drone you are operating weighs less than 55 pounds, you may apply for a Part 107 waiver to conduct your operation. If your operation involves a UAS or drone that weighs 55 pounds or more, you may apply for an exemption under the Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems (U.S.C. 44807).
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Generally, the FAA's first course of action is to educate operators when they are willing and able to comply. To date, there have been no local entities that are unwilling to come into compliance.
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Public education institutions that provide training on the use of unmanned aircraft must operate under 14 CFR Part 107. ALso, if the operating location or mission are not authorized under the 14 CFR part 107 rule, they must request a waiver or authorization from the FAA.
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