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, required for all drones over 0.55 pounds/249 grams.
• ADS-B -- Broadcasting ADS-B is not allowed for drones, but receiving information from manned aircraft allows collision avoidance.
• LAANC -- automated temporary permits for class B/C/D/E airspace through free apps for iOS/Android.

TRUST Compliance

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

Broadly, anybody can fly a drone under USC 44809 in G (most) airspace if they have a TRUST permit physically with them and are following the recreational rules.

Part 107 Compliance

• FAA license, Part 107 -- FAA overview of requirements.
• PilotInstitute 107 Course -- a comprehensive overview of the rules for passing the Part 107 test.

Many common use cases such as real estate photography or online streaming for ads/monetization are considered commercial activities which require a Part 107 license. Part 107 devices have specific reporting requirements and can also request waivers for permission to fly in controlled airspaces. With a Part 107 license, you can apply for waivers for use cases such as VLSAO: beyond line of sight (107.31) and multiple (simultaneous) vehicles (107.35). We automate Part 107 compliance by providing an API for logging various details each flight and generating reports/analytics.

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.
• Loiter.ai Part 108 Comment -- Our feedback and suggestions.

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.