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FAA drone basics for hobby flyers
The FAA controls the airspace everywhere in the US. The park or land manager controls where you can take off and land. You need to satisfy both.
- Pass TRUST (free, online) and carry proof.
- Register drones of 250 g (0.55 lb) or more, mark the registration number on the drone, and broadcast Remote ID.
- Stay at or below 400 ft in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace.
- Near airports (controlled airspace), get LAANC or DroneZone authorization first.
- Keep the drone in visual line of sight and give way to other aircraft.
- Check B4UFLY and temporary flight restrictions (wildfires!) before every flight.
FAA recreational rules Allowed
Recreational flyers must: fly only for fun; follow a recognized community-based organization's safety guidelines; keep the drone in visual line of sight; give way to other aircraft; stay at or below 400 ft in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace; get LAANC or DroneZone authorization before flying in controlled airspace near airports; pass the free TRUST test and carry proof; register drones of 250 g or more, mark them and carry the registration; and broadcast Remote ID if registered. Check B4UFLY and TFRs before flying. FAA rules apply on top of land-manager rules; they don't override park bans on launching or landing.
- Permit
- TRUST certificate (free). Registration for drones of 250 g or more. LAANC/DroneZone authorization for controlled airspace.
- Sources
- faa.gov · ecfr.gov
- Notes
- Statute: 49 USC 44809. Part 107 applies to non-recreational flying.
- Verified
- 2026-10-21 · official text read
Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.