Disclaimer. Informational summary for U.S. drone pilots. Not legal advice. Confirm every requirement on FAA.gov and the live eCFR before you fly.
Citations and links checked Oct 6, 2026. Prefer primary FAA / eCFR links over secondary blogs.
1. Two common paths
- Part 107 — civil small UAS operations under 14 CFR Part 107 (generally required for non-recreational / commercial-type flying). Part 107 does not apply to aircraft operated under the recreational statute listed in § 107.1(b)(2) (49 U.S.C. 44809).
- Recreational exception — limited recreational operations under 49 U.S.C. 44809. FAA overview: faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers. If you want to fly under Part 107 instead, you follow Part 107.
2. Registration
- FAA: register through FAADroneZone; guidance at How to Register Your Drone.
- FAA states drones must be registered except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown under the recreational exception. Part 107 registration is per aircraft; recreational registration can cover multiple drones in one inventory (see FAA page for current fees/terms).
- Part 107 also points registration compliance to § 107.13 / § 91.203(a)(2).
3. Remote ID
- Rule: 14 CFR Part 89. Operating requirements include § 89.105 and related sections.
- FAA: drones that are required to be registered (or are registered) must operate in accordance with Remote ID — see Remote Identification of Drones. Limited FRIA exceptions are described by the FAA.
4. TRUST (recreational)
- Recreational flyers under the exception must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof when flying — FAA: TRUST and recreational flyers page.
- TRUST is not a substitute for a Part 107 remote pilot certificate.
5. Part 107 pilot certificate (when Part 107 applies)
- Remote pilot certificate with small UAS rating: § 107.12, eligibility § 107.61, knowledge recency § 107.65 (generally within 24 calendar months).
6. Airspace authorization
- Part 107: no operation in Class B, C, or D, or within the lateral boundaries of Class E surface areas designated for an airport, without prior ATC authorization (§ 107.41).
- FAA tools for airspace awareness and authorization: LAANC (UAS Data Exchange) gives near-real-time authorization in controlled airspace through FAA-approved service suppliers, and B4UFLY shows where you can and cannot fly. Both pages are on FAA.gov (checked Oct 6, 2026).
- Recreational flyers have their own airspace / community-based organization conditions under 44809 — see the FAA recreational flyers page rather than assuming Part 107 airspace rules.