FAA Rules

Communications

• FAA -- UAS guidelines.
• FAA Drone Zone -- Register your device, required for all drones over 0.55 pounds/249 grams.
• RemoteID -- a device that broadcasts an ID using Bluetooth long range protocols.
• ADS-B -- This is not required for recreational drone flying, but allows more advanced use cases such as collision avoidance.
• LAANC -- automated temporary permits for class B/C/D/E airspaces through free apps for iOS/Android.

TRUST Compliance

• FAA TRUST -- FAA overview of requirements.
• PilotInstitute TRUST online -- Take this, then print out a copy of this permit to have with you in the field.

Broadly, anybody can fly a drone recreationally under the Part 107 Rules in unrestricted (most) airspace if they have a TRUST document in hand.

Part 107 Compliance

• FAA license, Part 107 -- FAA overview of requirements.
• King Schools has an online practice test if you are interested in testing your knowledge / seeing what the questions look like.
• PilotInstitute 107 Course -- a comprehensive overview of the rules for passing the Part 107 test.

Many common use cases (real estate photography, online streaming for ads/monetization) are considered commercial activities which require a Part 107 license.

Part 107 Waivers

• 107 Waiver overview -- An overview by a lawyer with experience in the field.

With a Part 107 license, you can apply for waivers for use cases such as:

• 107.31 -- VLSAO: beyond line of sight.
• 107.35 -- Multiple (simultaneous) vehicles
• 107.51 -- Over 100mph (ground speed), 400+ Above Ground Level, visibility below 3 miles, near and around clouds

Part 108 Compliance

• FAA BVLOS Fact Sheet -- Quick overview of key changes.
• UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS BEYOND VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT AVIATION RULEMAKING COMMITTEE -- 2022 workgroup report.
• FAA-2025-1908-0023 -- Proposed changes. Comment period ended October 06, 2025.

This will allow greater degrees of autonomy for aerial surveying and civic interest use cases. The FAA is going to review the comments by February of 2026, and then release a final set of rules later in the year (~Q3/Q4).

FRIA

• FAA-Recognized Identification Areas -- Many local RC clubs have spots where you can fly drones with special FAA exemptions (higher altitude, non-RemoteID) if you follow the field rules.
• WebMap -- find a location near you.