Individuals requiring certification to operate unmanned aircraft in U.S. airspace must pass the FAA TRUST Drone Exam.
In a move to ensure the safety of the skies and promote responsible drone usage, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) in June 2021. This free, online course is now a requirement for all recreational drone pilots in the United States [1][3][5].
TRUST is a 30-minute online course designed to educate recreational drone users about fundamental drone safety rules and regulations. The test covers topics such as safe drone operation, airspace restrictions, and visual line-of-sight rules [1][3][5]. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of completion, which they must carry while flying their drones as proof of compliance [3][5].
The primary aim of TRUST is to ensure that recreational flyers are knowledgeable about drone safety guidelines and regulations. This is crucial for maintaining public safety and efficient airspace management [5]. By taking TRUST, recreational drone pilots can help prevent accidents and ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
Not everyone is required to take TRUST, however. Commercial drone pilots who hold a Part 107 license are exempt, as this license covers the safety training and certification needed for commercial drone operations [1][3]. Additionally, educational and research users might not require TRUST if they are operating under specific exemptions [5].
For recreational drone pilots, taking TRUST is not only a legal requirement but also a step towards ensuring safety in the airspace. The test is free, easy to access, and requires minimal effort, making it practical for everyone to complete [1][3]. After passing TRUST, a digital certificate of completion is issued, which can be printed or saved on a phone [3].
Drone registration is also mandatory for any recreational drone weighing at least 0.55 lbs. Once you have passed TRUST and registered your drone with the FAA, you are required to carry proof of both TRUST completion and drone registration while flying [3].
TRUST was developed by the FAA in collaboration with industry experts, flight groups, and stakeholders between 2019 and 2021 [3]. The test is an online, multiple-choice questionnaire that provides an infinite number of chances to get each question correct [1]. It is recommended for all recreational drone pilots to take TRUST not only for legal compliance but also to ensure safety in the airspace [3].
For those who already hold a Part 107 drone license, taking TRUST is still an option. This allows them to switch between Part 107 or Section 44809 rules as needed [3]. It's crucial to keep the certificate of completion safe, as there is no way to retrieve another copy since personal information is deleted [3].
The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is the latest regulation enforced by the FAA on the recreational drone flight community. It is designed to educate recreational drone pilots about the safety guidelines and practices enforced by the FAA, making the skies safer for everyone [1].
A Part 107 drone license exems commercial drone pilots from taking the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), as this license already covers safety training and certification for commercial drone operations.
To fly a drone recreationally in the United States, one must complete the TRUST test, which educates participants on drone safety rules and regulations, and then register the drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
