If you buy a drone to fly for fun in the US, one requirement applies no matter how small the drone is: the Recreational UAS Safety Test, known as TRUST. It is free, online and quick, and many new owners do not know about it. This guide explains what it is and how to take it.
Key takeaways
- Recreational flyers must pass TRUST before flying and carry proof.
- The test is free through FAA-approved test administrators.
- If you lose the certificate, you need to take the test again.
What TRUST is
According to the FAA, the law requires recreational flyers to pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and show proof if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel. TRUST was created to meet that requirement. It provides education and testing on safety and regulations.
Who needs it
Anyone flying recreationally under the exception for recreational flyers must pass TRUST before flying. This includes owners of drones under 250 grams, which do not need registration but are still covered by the recreational rules. Part 107 pilots have their own certificate instead.
How to take it
The FAA says TRUST is offered online by FAA-approved test administrators, and all of them offer it free. Questions are correctable to 100 percent before the certificate is issued, so you cannot fail. At the end, you download, save or print your completion certificate.
Keep the certificate
The FAA says administrators do not keep a record of your certificate. If you lose it, you must retake TRUST. Save it in more than one place, such as your phone and a printed copy in the drone case.
TRUST at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Recreational flyers |
| Cost | Free |
| Where | Online, FAA-approved administrators |
| Can you fail | Questions are correctable to 100 percent |
| Proof | Carry the certificate when flying |
Beware of paid substitutes
Because TRUST is free from every approved administrator, there is no reason to pay for it. Use the FAA’s list of approved administrators to choose one.
What TRUST does not do
TRUST does not register your drone, satisfy Remote ID or give permission to fly in a particular place. It is one of several recreational requirements. See Drone Registration: What to Know Before You Buy and Where Can You Fly a New Drone? Airspace, Authorization and Local Rules.
Tip: Take TRUST before the drone arrives. You can finish the test while you wait for delivery and be ready to fly on day one.
TRUST for families
Children and teens flying for fun need to pass TRUST too. Taking the test together is a good way to discuss rules at home. See Buying a Drone for a Child or Teenager: Age, Size and Safety.
Which path fits
If you only fly for fun, TRUST is your pilot requirement. If you might do any work, look at Part 107 instead; see Hobby or Business? Why the Answer Changes the Drone Rules.
The other recreational rules
TRUST covers the rules, but here is the summary from the FAA: fly only for recreation, follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization, keep visual line of sight or use a co-located observer, give way to other aircraft, stay at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace, get authorization in controlled airspace, register if required and do not endanger the airspace.
How long it takes
The test combines short learning material with questions. Most people finish in a single sitting. Because every question can be corrected until the answer is right, the goal is learning rather than passing a hard exam, so read the explanations as you go; they cover the same topics you will use on every flight.
Showing proof
The FAA says you must present the certificate if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel. A photo of the certificate on your phone is convenient, but a phone battery can die on a cold day. Many flyers keep a printed copy in the drone case with the registration certificate, so both documents travel with the aircraft.
Common mistakes
- Not knowing TRUST exists.
- Paying for a free test.
- Losing the certificate.
- Thinking TRUST replaces registration.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TRUST test free?
Yes. All FAA-approved administrators offer it free.
Can I fail TRUST?
No. Questions are correctable to 100 percent.
What if I lose my certificate?
Take the test again; administrators do not keep records.
Do I need TRUST for a tiny indoor drone?
TRUST applies to recreational flying in the national airspace, which is outdoors. If you take even a small drone outside for fun, the recreational rules apply.
Is TRUST the same as the Part 107 certificate?
No. TRUST is for recreational flyers. Flying for work requires a Remote Pilot Certificate, which means passing a knowledge test in person at an FAA-approved testing center.
For your first flight location, see Where Can You Fly a New Drone? Airspace, Authorization and Local Rules.