TRUST Section 1

UNDERSTANDING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL FLYERS

Please refer to 49 U.S.C. §44809 for the requirements of the Exception for Limited Recreational Operation of Unmanned Aircraft, also known as "The Exception". These requirements include:

1. Flying for recreational purposes only.

2. Following the safety guidelines of a Community Based Organization (CBO).

3. Keeping the drone in your visual line of sight (VLOS).

4. Always giving way to, and never interfering with, manned aircraft.

5. Obtaining airspace authorization before flying in controlled airspace.

6. Not flying higher than 400ft above the ground in uncontrolled airspace.

7. Passing an aeronautical knowledge and safety test.

8. Registering and marking your drone, and complying with the associated Remote ID rule, 14 CFR Part 89.

You will learn more about these requirements throughout this course.

RECREATIONAL FLYING

Flying for recreational purposes means flying only for fun. You may not fly for work, payment, or as part of any business. For example, under the Exception for Recreational Flyers, real estate agents may not take photos of properties that will be used to help sell them.

Remember, flying for any reason other than for fun, is not allowed under the Exception for Recreational Flyers.

AIRSPACE AND RESTRICTIONS

It's important to understand that when you fly a drone, you share the airspace with other aircraft. The airspace in the United States is designed to ensure the safety of everyone. To ensure everyone's safety, it's important to be able to identify the airspace and any restrictions.

Regulated airspace in the United States starts from ground level. Even if you're far away from a large airport, you may still be close to seaplane bases, smaller airports, heliports, or agricultural aircraft operations.

Airspace can be divided into two main categories: controlled and uncontrolled. Controlled airspace includes areas around most airports and is designed to protect aircraft arriving at or departing from the airport. The size and shape of the controlled airspace can vary depending on the airport's needs.

On the other hand, uncontrolled airspace includes most of the airspace starting from the ground level and away from the airports. However, this doesn't mean that it's unregulated. You still need to comply with all the rules under the Exception for Recreational Flyers when flying in uncontrolled airspace.

Unless the FAA has authorized you, recreational drone flying is limited to no more than 400ft above ground level in uncontrolled airspace. In controlled airspace, recreational drone flying is limited to UAS Facility Map (UASFM) altitudes.

Airspace may also have restrictions that prohibit any drone flying at certain times. These restrictions can happen in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. Airspace restrictions may be temporary or permanent, depending on security or safety needs.

WHERE CAN YOU FLY?

Before flying your drone, it is important to know which airspace you will be operating in and whether any restrictions or prohibitions apply. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in collaboration with the drone industry, has developed two applications to provide information on airspace restrictions and authorizations.

The first application is the FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier (USS) of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), which provides both airspace information and authorizations. The second application is the FAA B4UFly App, which provides airspace information only. Both applications are freely available on most mobile devices.

Regardless of which app you use, it is important to identify whether you are in controlled or uncontrolled airspace before every flight. If you are in controlled airspace, you will most likely need to obtain an airspace authorization from the FAA prior to flying. On the other hand, if you are in uncontrolled airspace, you do not need an airspace authorization to fly at or below 400ft above ground level (AGL).

In addition, it is essential to check for any airspace restrictions in your area. Certain airspace is permanently restricted or prohibited for recreational drone flyers, including the airspace surrounding certain military facilities and national security locations such as the White House. Also, temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) may be established by the FAA in advance or with little notice, especially during Presidential visits, major sporting events, or severe weather/natural disasters. Drone flying is strictly prohibited in TFRs, and unauthorized flying in restricted airspace is a federal crime. Violators can face fines from the FAA and additional prosecution from law enforcement.

BEST PRACTICES: REVIEW AIRSPACE REQUIREMENTS IN FAA UAS APPS BEFORE YOU FLY!

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has collaborated with industry to develop applications that offer enhanced situational awareness to recreational flyers. These applications include the FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) and the FAA B4UFLY app.

These apps provide a clear "status" indicator that informs you where you can fly. They also feature informative, interactive maps with filtering options, as well as information about controlled airspace, special use airspace, critical infrastructure, airports, national parks, military training routes, and TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions). You can check whether it is safe to fly in different locations by searching for a location or moving the location pin. Additionally, you can find links to other FAA drone resources and regulatory information.

The FAA UAS Service Suppliers of LAANC also provide near real-time airspace authorizations. You can find a comprehensive list of companies that offer authorizations to recreational flyers on the FAA website.

REQUESTING AUTHORIZATION FOR CONTROLLED AIRSPACE

Controlled airspace is typically found near airports, cities, and metropolitan areas where there is a high volume of aircraft flying. If you plan to fly your drone in controlled airspace, you must obtain an FAA airspace authorization. However, recreational flyers are advised not to contact ATC facilities directly to request approvals. You can request an airspace authorization in two ways:

1. By using an FAA-approved LAANC UAS Service Supplier (USS). You can find a list of USSs available on the FAA's website: UAS Data Exchange (LAANC) (faa.gov).

2. By visiting the FAADroneZone website: faadronezone.faa.gov.

The airspace authorization alerts FAA Air Traffic Control (ATC) that there are drones in the area.

UAS FACILITY MAPS (UASFMS)

UAS Facility Maps provide information on the highest altitudes permissible for drone flights in controlled airspace where the FAA may authorize such operations. However, UASFMs should not be regarded as a pre-authorization for drone flights in these areas. They are meant for informational and planning purposes only.

Recreational drone pilots who wish to fly in controlled airspace and require authorization are encouraged to consult the UASFM before submitting their request. This helps to ensure that the requested maximum altitude is at or below the limit stated in the UASFM.

USING LAANC

LAANC stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. It is an automated process that allows you to request airspace authorizations in controlled airspace at or below 400ft. To access LAANC, you need to go through an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier (USS) who will check your request against various factors such as UAS Facility Maps, restricted airspace, airports and airspace classes, and TFRs. This process makes it easy to get approval in near real-time using your computer or smartphone. The LAANC USSs display the maximum available altitudes and also show areas where no airspace authorizations will be given. If you want to learn more about LAANC or find a listing of current UAS Service Suppliers, you can visit the FAA website at UAS Data Exchange (LAANC) (faa.gov).

USING FAADRONEZONE

LAANC provides airspace authorization for some controlled airspace. However, there are certain areas that are not covered by LAANC. In such cases, you can use the FAADroneZone to request an airspace authorization.

To use FAADroneZone, simply follow the on-screen instructions and create a recreational flyer account. Once you have an account, you can submit your request for airspace authorization.

Multiple Choice

A RECREATIONAL FLYER IS A PERSON WHO

• only flies their UAS for fun.

• • may be paid for flying.

• • is allowed to fly for work or business as long as they are not being paid. 

Multiple Choice

A RECREATIONAL FLYER DOES NOT NEED AN AIRSPACE AUTHORIZATION IN WHICH TYPE OF AIRSPACE?

• Uncontrolled

• • Controlled

Multiple Choice

WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED DURING A PRESIDENTIAL VISIT OR MAJOR SPORTING EVENT?

• A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be issued.

• • Local law enforcement will send an email alert.

• • No changes can be expected for drone operations. 

Multiple Choice

HOW CAN A RECREATIONAL FLYER FIND INFORMATION ABOUT THE AIRSPACE IN THEIR AREA?

• Use an FAA LAANC UAS Service Supplier (USS) or the B4UFLY app

• • Contact local law enforcement.

• • Call the FAA. 

Multiple Choice

HOW CAN A RECREATIONAL FLYER GET AN AIRSPACE AUTHORIZATION?

• Through LAANC or Drone Zone.

• • Call local law enforcement.

• • Call the nearest control tower.

Multiple Choice

IN WHAT AREA COULD CONTROLLED AIRSPACE NORMALLY BE FOUND? 

• Near airports, cities, and metropolitan areas.

• • Small towns and rural areas.

• • All airspace is controlled airspace.

Multiple Choice

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM ALTITUDE A DRONE CAN FLY ABOVE THE GROUND IN UNCONTROLLED AIRSPACE WITHOUT SPECIFIC FAA AUTHORIZATION?

• 400ft.

• 700ft.

• 1200ft.