You got a drone. Before you fly it, there are federal rules you need to understand. This is not optional: the FAA regulates all drone operations in US airspace, and the consequences of violating those rules range from fines to criminal charges depending on what happened.
This guide covers what every new recreational pilot must do before their first flight. It is written for hobbyists -- people flying for fun, not for money. If you are planning to fly commercially, you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; that process is covered separately.
Step 1: Determine Whether Your Drone Needs to Be Registered
Any drone weighing 0.55 lbs (250 grams) or more must be registered with the FAA before it flies. Registration costs $5, lasts three years, and requires you to be at least 13 years old (a parent or guardian can register on behalf of a minor).
After registering, you receive a registration number that must be displayed on the aircraft -- somewhere visible, not hidden inside a battery compartment.
Popular drones under 250g that do not require registration: DJI Mini 4K (249g), DJI Mini 2 SE (249g), DJI Mini SE (249g). These are popular starter drones specifically because they fall under the threshold.
To register: go to faadronezone.faa.gov.
Step 2: Complete TRUST
If you fly recreationally -- for fun, not for money -- federal law requires you to complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before your first flight. TRUST is:
- Free
- About 20 minutes long
- Available online through FAA-approved providers
- Something you must carry proof of and present to FAA or law enforcement on request
TRUST covers basic safety knowledge: airspace classes, no-fly zones, registration requirements, and safe operation practices. You cannot fail it -- the test walks you through the material and lets you retake questions until you answer correctly. But you must complete it.
Where to take it: modelaircraft.org/trust (AMA), uavcoach.com/trust-test (UAV Coach), or find the full provider list at faa.gov.
Step 3: Understand Remote ID
Any registered drone (0.55 lbs or more) must broadcast Remote ID during flight. Remote ID transmits your drone's location, altitude, speed, and your own location to anyone in range with a receiver -- including the FAA, law enforcement, and other pilots.
Most drones manufactured since 2022 have Remote ID built in. If you have an older drone without it, you need to attach a broadcast module before flying. Check the FAA's declaration of compliance database (faa.gov/uas/gettingstarted/remoteid) to see if your drone is on the list.
The one exception: you can fly without Remote ID at a FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area) -- typically an AMA club field -- if you are a member of the operating club. FRIAs are rare; check before assuming your local flying spot qualifies.
Step 4: Know Where You Can and Cannot Fly
This is where most new pilots run into trouble. The FAA classifies airspace into types that determine where you can fly and whether you need authorization.
Class G airspace (uncontrolled): Most rural areas, away from airports. Recreational pilots can fly here up to 400 ft AGL without authorization.
Class B, C, D, and E surface airspace (controlled): Near airports. You must get LAANC authorization before flying here. LAANC is a free, near-instant authorization system available through apps like Aloft and DroneUp. The check takes under a minute.
Restricted zones: These are separate from airspace classes and apply regardless of airspace designation. You cannot fly in national parks, over stadiums during events, near certain hospitals, within some military installation boundaries, and dozens of other restricted area types -- even if the airspace above those areas is technically Class G.
Before any flight, check what is at your location. The fastest way: UAS SkyCheck (uas-skycheck.app). Enter your location and it shows your airspace class, whether LAANC is required, and any restricted zones at that spot.
Step 5: Follow the Basic Safety Rules
These apply everywhere, every time:
Stay below 400 ft AGL in Class G airspace. In controlled airspace, your LAANC authorization sets your maximum altitude, which may be lower.
Keep your drone in visual line of sight. You must be able to see your drone with your unaided eyes at all times. First-person view (FPV) goggles do not satisfy this requirement unless a visual observer is watching the aircraft for you.
Never fly over people or moving vehicles outside of a controlled or restricted-access site. This rule has no exceptions for recreational flyers.
Never fly near emergency response. If there are police, fire, or medical operations in the area, land immediately and stay clear.
Never fly near other aircraft. The FAA requires drone pilots to give way to manned aircraft. If a helicopter or plane is near your operating area, land.
Do not fly near airports without authorization. The 5-mile rule you may have heard is outdated -- airspace authorization is now required based on the actual airspace class at your location, which can extend much further than 5 miles from certain airports.
TFRs: The Rule Most Beginners Miss
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) can appear with very little notice and closes airspace over specific areas. Common TFR triggers: presidential movement, natural disasters, major sporting events, firefighting operations. Flying inside an active TFR is a federal violation.
Before every flight, check for active TFRs. UAS SkyCheck shows live TFRs at your location (Pilot tier) and the 31 permanent TFRs (like the Disney no-fly zones and White House area) on all tiers.
Community-Based Organization (CBO) Rules
If you join an AMA chapter or other FAA-approved flying club, that organization may have its own rules on top of the FAA minimums. These can include lower altitude limits at specific sites, designated flight areas, required equipment, or operating hours. CBO rules are legally binding for members under §44809.
UAS SkyCheck reflects FAA regulations. Always check your CBO's specific guidelines as an additional step if you fly under an organization.
The Short Version
Before your first flight:
- Register your drone if it weighs 0.55 lbs or more
- Complete TRUST
- Confirm Remote ID is active (or find a FRIA if your drone lacks it)
- Check the airspace at your planned location
- Get LAANC authorization if you are in controlled airspace
- Check for active TFRs
- Follow the basic safety rules every time
The first four are one-time or rare tasks. The last three happen before every flight. UAS SkyCheck handles the airspace, restricted zone, and TFR checks automatically -- enter your location and get all three in one result.