If you fly a drone for fun (not for money, not for your employer, just because you enjoy it) you are a recreational flyer. And before your first flight, the FAA requires you to complete a safety test called TRUST.
TRUST is free, takes about 20 minutes, and you can take it right now from your phone or computer. But a lot of recreational pilots either do not know it exists or do not understand exactly what it requires. This post covers everything.
What Is TRUST?
TRUST stands for The Recreational UAS Safety Test. It is the FAA-mandated safety certification for recreational drone pilots flying under 49 U.S.C. §44809, the federal law that governs hobbyist drone operations, officially called the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations.
Congress created §44809 in 2018 as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act. It formalized the rules for recreational flying and, among other requirements, directed the FAA to establish a safety test. TRUST is that test.
The FAA finalized TRUST in 2021. Since then, every recreational flyer is legally required to complete it before their first flight.
Who Needs TRUST?
You need TRUST if you fly a drone purely for recreational purposes: for fun, as a hobby, for personal enjoyment, and you are not receiving compensation of any kind.
You need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate instead if you:
- Get paid to fly (real estate photography, video production, inspection, delivery, etc.)
- Fly as part of your job duties, even if you personally do not receive extra pay
- Fly for your employer or a client in any capacity
The line between recreational and commercial is not always obvious. The FAA's test is whether the flight has a business nexus: if someone is paying for the result, or if the flight benefits a business, it is commercial. A hobbyist who occasionally shares drone photos online is still recreational. A photographer who includes drone shots in paid client packages is commercial, even for flights that feel casual.
If you are not sure which applies to you, get Part 107. It covers everything TRUST covers and authorizes commercial operations too. TRUST only covers recreational flying.
How to Take TRUST
TRUST is administered by FAA-approved test providers. The test itself is free at all providers. You do not need to schedule an appointment or visit a testing center; it is entirely online.
FAA-approved providers include:
- Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA): the largest model aviation organization in the US
- UAV Coach: drone training platform
- Find the complete list at faa.gov
The test covers airspace basics, safety rules, and the §44809 operating requirements. It is not a trick test; it is designed to make sure you understand the fundamentals before you fly. You can retake it if you do not pass on the first attempt.
When you finish, you receive a completion certificate. Save it. You are legally required to carry proof of completion and present it to FAA officials or law enforcement on request (§44809(a)(6)). A screenshot or PDF on your phone is sufficient.
TRUST has no expiration date. Complete it once and you are done.
What TRUST Does and Does Not Cover
Completing TRUST satisfies the safety test requirement under §44809. That is it. It does not authorize everything you might want to do.
TRUST satisfies:
- The FAA safety test requirement for recreational flyers
- Your certification obligation before your first flight
TRUST does not replace:
- Airspace authorization: flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface Class E) still requires LAANC authorization or a DroneZone waiver, even with TRUST completed
- Drone registration: any drone weighing 0.55 lbs (250 grams) or more must be registered with the FAA at faadronezone.faa.gov. Cost: $5 per drone, valid 3 years
- Remote ID: registered drones must broadcast Remote ID (14 CFR Part 89), with one exception covered below
- Preflight planning: you still need to check airspace, weather, and active TFRs before every flight
The FRIA Exception: Why TRUST Still Applies
FRIAs (FAA-Recognized Identification Areas) are designated flying sites where drones can operate without broadcasting Remote ID. They are typically club flying fields affiliated with the AMA or other FAA-recognized community organizations.
A common misconception: flying inside a FRIA does not exempt you from TRUST.
FRIAs only waive the Remote ID broadcast requirement. Every other §44809 rule still applies inside a FRIA, including TRUST completion and the must-carry requirement. If you fly in a club field FRIA without having completed TRUST, you are in violation of §44809 regardless of whether your drone has Remote ID.
UAS SkyCheck flags FRIA locations in your preflight result so you know when you are near or inside one.
The 10 Core Rules Under §44809
TRUST is built around these operating requirements. Understanding them is the point of the test.
- Complete TRUST before your first flight and carry proof; present on request
- Fly at or below 400 ft AGL in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times; you must be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes
- Get airspace authorization via LAANC or DroneZone before flying in controlled airspace
- Never fly over people or moving vehicles
- Never fly near emergency response efforts: fire, police, medical
- Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Register your drone if it weighs 0.55 lbs (250g) or more and mark it with your registration number
- Comply with Remote ID: broadcast required for registered drones unless inside a FRIA
- Follow community safety guidelines if operating within an FAA-recognized community organization (AMA, etc.)
TRUST vs Part 107: The Key Differences
| | TRUST (Recreational, §44809) | Part 107 (Commercial) | |---|---|---| | Cost | Free | $175 exam fee | | Format | Online, ~20 min | 60-question exam at approved testing center | | Expiration | Never expires | Never expires, but 24-month recurrency required | | Carry requirement | Yes, must carry proof | Yes, certificate + government ID | | Flying for pay | Not allowed | Allowed | | Night flying | Permitted with anti-collision lights | Same | | Controlled airspace | LAANC or DroneZone | Same | | Flying over people | Prohibited | Waiver or Category 1-4 compliance |
If you plan to ever fly professionally, skip TRUST and go straight to Part 107. Part 107 covers everything TRUST covers and more.
Before Every Recreational Flight
TRUST is a one-time requirement. Your preflight checklist for every flight under §44809 should still include:
- Check airspace class: is LAANC required?
- Check for active TFRs: temporary flight restrictions can appear anywhere
- Check weather conditions: wind, visibility, ceiling
- Confirm drone is registered and Remote ID is active (or confirm you are inside a FRIA)
- Carry your TRUST completion proof
UAS SkyCheck handles the airspace, TFR, and weather checks in one 30-second preflight (free, no account required, works on any device). The app surfaces FRIA locations, flags controlled airspace requiring LAANC, and shows active TFRs so you know before you launch.
UAS SkyCheck is built for both recreational and Part 107 pilots. Check airspace, TFRs, restricted zones, and weather before every flight, and see whether LAANC authorization is required for your location. Try it free at uas-skycheck.app, no account required.
Regulations referenced: 49 U.S.C. §44809, 14 CFR Part 89. TRUST providers: faa.gov/uas/recreationalfliers/knowledgetest_updates. Drone registration: faadronezone.faa.gov. Always verify current requirements at faa.gov.