Everyone can fly! Drones are a great way to get started.
Pilots require a license to fly. Flying for fun is no different.
To begin flying, you will need to take the TRUST--The Recreational UAS Safety Test.
Passing the TRUST gives you a recreational pilot license to fly drones and RC model aircraft.
DON'T WORRY! The TRUST is a zero-failure test. You WILL get your license.
At the end of this course, you will be taken to the webpage where the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration provides sites to take the TRUST for FREE!
You CAN'T fail! So, take a deep breath and relax.
Maybe you drive a car and already have a driver's license. Maybe you don't.
There are rules of the sky, just like there are rules of the road. For pilots flying drones for fun the rules are pretty simple. The lessons in this unit explain what the rules below mean.
The aircraft is flown strictly for recreational purposes.
The aircraft is operated in accordance with or within the programming of a community-based organization’s set of safety guidelines that are developed in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.
The aircraft is flown within the visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft or a visual observer co-located and in direct communication with the operator.
The aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft.
In Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport, the operator obtains prior authorization from the Administrator or designee before operating and complies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions.
In Class G airspace, the aircraft is flown from the surface to not more than 400 feet above ground level and complies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions.
The operator has passed an aeronautical knowledge and safety test … and maintains proof of test passage to be made available to the Administrator or law enforcement upon request.
The aircraft is registered and marked in accordance with chapter 441…and proof of registration is made available to the Administrator or a designee of the Administrator or law enforcement upon request.
Source: FAA Advisory Circular 91-57C.
Anytime you go outside, you are walking through some type of designated airspace. There are no exclusions to airspace--it begins at your shoelaces and goes up to outer space. The U.S. National Airspace System designates airspace using an alphabetical system. Airspace A, B, C, D, E, and G. Why no F airspace? You'll learn why in this section.
This unit introduces the concepts of risk and safety from the point of view of the pilot--YOU!
Congratulations! You've covered the material that will not only help you take and pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) but also understand what it all means. Here's the link to the FAA web page where you can select the test provider. Remember to have your printer ready to print your TRUST certificate.
Good luck! And remember...
An excellent pilot is ALWAYS learning!
Good flying!