The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expanding its requirements for pilots to operate a drone in the U.S. This week, it released a new training program all U.S. drone pilots must pass if they want to fly a drone — commercially and recreationally.
Known as the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), this test must be taken if you want to fly a drone over 0.55 pounds (249 grams). This requirement applies to everyone. So, even if you fly your drone non-commercially, you have to take the test to fly it legally.
All you need to know about the TRUST drone course
The TRUST course focuses on educating people about drone safety and flight regulations. Additionally, the course is broken down into two different sections. The first section of the test will cover the information you’ll need to pass the test, and the second is the test itself. The test is multiple choice and shouldn’t take long to complete.
If you aren’t the best test-taker — don’t worry. If you get a question wrong, the test will discuss the correct answer and then ask you the question again. Also, the test is online and free to take — so you don’t have to sell out money to take it.
Who needs to take the test?
According to the FAA, every pilot wanting to fly drones in the U.S. needs to take the TRUST. This includes pilots under the Exception for Recreational Flyers and those who have a Part 107 certification. After passing the test, you will receive a certificate. Make sure you have access to the certificate whenever you go out flying, because the FAA or police can ask to see it.
Where can you take the test?
Here’s a list of all the Approved Test Administrators for the drone TRUST course; you can take the test using any of these resources:
- The Academy of Model Aeronautics
- The Boy Scouts of America
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Community College of Allegheny County – West Hills Center
- Drone U
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- HSU Educational Foundation
- Lake Area Technical College
- Pilot Institute
- Drone Launch Academy LLC
- Proctorio Incorporated
- Tactical Aviation
- CrossFlight Sky Solutions
- UAV Coach
- University of Arizona Global Campus
- Volatus Aerospace Corp