49 USC 44809 · TRUSTRecreational flight · Free FAA test
Pass TRUST. Then know what happens next.
TRUST is the starting credential for recreational pilots. Learn the rules, build the exact flight path, and leave with a first-flight checklist that survives beyond the test.
Cost
Free from every approved provider
Format
Online education plus questions
Scoring
Correctable to 100%
Proof
Save it; providers keep no copy
Interactive readiness lab
TRUST is one requirement. The flight decides the rest.
A 249-gram park flight and a 900-gram flight near controlled airspace share the same TRUST requirement, but not the same aircraft and airspace obligations.
Build this flight
Which rules switch on?
Set the purpose, ready-to-fly weight, and airspace. This is a learning model, not an airspace authorization.
Section 44809 lane
TRUST is required, even below 250 grams.
A strictly recreational aircraft below 250 grams can qualify for the registration exception, but TRUST, airspace, CBO, visual-line-of-sight, and site rules still apply.
TRUST certificate
Pass the free official test and carry the saved certificate.
Registration and Remote ID
No recreational registration at this weight if the entire ready-to-fly aircraft stays below 250 g.
Airspace
The airspace is unresolved. Pin the launch point and check before treating this flight as ready.
Operating discipline
Follow one FAA-recognized CBO's safety guidelines, maintain visual line of sight, yield to all crewed aircraft, and avoid endangering the airspace.
Educational screening only. The FAA authorization, current restrictions, site rules, and actual aircraft configuration control the flight.
The official process
Learn, complete, preserve.
- 01
Learn the recreational rules
Know the Section 44809 conditions before choosing a test provider. The certificate does not authorize a location or erase airspace and site restrictions.
- 02
Use an FAA-approved administrator
Choose any provider on the FAA's current list. Every approved administrator offers the same FAA-developed content online and at no cost.
- 03
Download the certificate immediately
Save or print the completion certificate and carry it while flying. If it is lost, the FAA directs you to retake TRUST because administrators retain no certificate record.
The legal envelope
All nine conditions stay attached to the flight.
TRUST proves completion of the safety test. It does not, by itself, make a launch legal. Section 44809 protects the flight only while every applicable limitation remains satisfied.
Part 107 pilots have a choice.
A certificated remote pilot can fly for fun under Part 107 rules. To use the separate Section 44809 exception, the FAA says that pilot must also pass TRUST.
- 01
Purpose
The operation is strictly for recreation and personal enjoyment.
- 02
Safety code
The flight follows the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized CBO.
- 03
Visual contact
The pilot or a co-located observer in direct communication keeps the aircraft within visual line of sight.
- 04
Right of way
The drone gives way to and does not interfere with any crewed aircraft.
- 05
Controlled airspace
Prior FAA authorization is obtained, and the flight stays within the authorized altitude and area.
- 06
Class G altitude
The aircraft stays at or below 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace.
- 07
Proof
The pilot carries TRUST proof, plus registration proof when registration is required.
- 08
Aircraft identity
A required registration is current, marked outside, and paired with a valid Remote ID path unless an exception applies.
- 09
Safety
The operation does not endanger the safety of the national airspace system.
Scenario check
Can you apply the exception?
This is original practice material, not a copy of the official TRUST questions.
0 / 6 answered
You fly a 249-gram drone only for personal enjoyment. What federal pilot requirement still applies?
A nonprofit asks you to photograph storm damage for its recovery plan. You volunteer and accept no payment. Is this automatically recreational?
Your launch point is inside controlled airspace. What must happen before a recreational flight?
Must a recreational flyer pay to join a community-based organization?
You completed TRUST but lost the only copy of the certificate. What does the FAA direct you to do?
A current Part 107 pilot wants to fly under the Section 44809 recreational exception. Is the remote pilot certificate enough?
Original practice material, not the actual FAA exam questions.
After TRUST
Turn a completion screen into a legal first-flight routine.
Save the certificate in three places
Keep a phone copy, a cloud copy, and a printed backup. The administrator does not keep a retrievable certificate record.
Choose the safety code you follow
Read one FAA-recognized CBO's guidelines. Membership is optional, but operating under recognized guidelines is not.
Resolve registration and Remote ID
Use actual takeoff weight. At 250 grams or more, register the recreational fleet, mark each aircraft, carry proof, and confirm Remote ID.
Clear the place and the airspace
Check airspace, authorization, TFRs, NOTAMs, local launch permission, wildlife limits, weather, people, and visual line of sight before every flight.
Official references
Use the current FAA list, not a provider roundup.
Administrators can change. Drone Authority links to the FAA's live roster instead of hard-coding a commercial recommendation into the training path.
Educational information, not legal advice. Confirm current FAA guidance, active airspace restrictions, and launch-site rules before every flight.