FAQs

​General

1. What is an unmanned aircraft system (UAS)?
   The law defines an unmanned aircraft as "an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft" (Public Law 112-95, Section 331(8)) Also called drones, these unmanned aircraft do not have a human pilot onboard.
   UAS range from radio-controlled, fixed-wing aircraft to helicopters or rotorcraft models sometimes called quadcopters, and can be flown for fun or for work.
2. Is a UAS the same as a model aircraft?
   Congress defined a "model aircraft" as an unmanned aircraft that is:
   • Capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere
   • Flown within visual line-of-sight of the person operating it
   • Flown for hobby or recreational purposes

Flying for Work or Business (non-recreational)

1. How do I fly a UAS for work or business purposes?
   There are three ways to fly a UAS for work, business, or non-recreational reasons:
   • Following the requirements in the Part 107 rule
   • Following the rules in your Section 333 grant of exemption
   • Obtain an airworthiness certificate for the aircraft
2. Can news media fly a UAS to shoot stories or cover breaking news?
   Media companies may use a UAS, but must adhere to the requirements of the Part 107 rule. This includes not flying over non-participating people without a protective structure. Organizations may request a waiver to fly over people, and will need to provide sufficient mitigations to ensure public safety.
3. What options do I have if my operation is not permitted under this rule?
   If you are operating an unmanned aircraft that weighs less than 55 pounds, generally, you may apply for a waiver to request special permission to conduct your operation. Generally, you must submit a waiver application that outlines how you intend to safely conduct your proposed operation, including any additional risk mitigation strategies you may use.

Flying for Fun (recreational)

1. What is the definition of recreational or hobby use of a UAS?
   Recreational or hobby UAS use is flying for enjoyment and not for work, business purposes, or for compensation of hire. In the FAA's Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, the FAA relied on the ordinary, dictionary definition of these terms. UAS use for hobby is a "pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation." UAS use for recreation is "refreshment of strength and sprits after work; a means of refreshment or division."
2. Do I need permission from the FAA to fly a UAS for recreation or hobby?
   No, but your unmanned aircraft must be registered if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs. FAA guidance also says that UAS should always be flown a safe distance from populated areas and other aircraft. If the aircraft is flown within five miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft must provide the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation. Also, airspace regulations may be applicable to the area you are operating in, which may require approval from the FAA to operate in those areas.
3. Does the new Small UAS Rule (part 107) apply to recreational UAS operations?
   Part 107 does not apply to UAS flown strictly for fun (hobby or recreational purposes) as long as these unmanned aircraft are flown in accordance with the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (Section 336 of P.L. 112-95). The small UAS rule codifies the provisions of section 336 in part 101 of the FAA's regulations, which will prohibit model aircraft from endangering the safety of the national airspace system.

Knowledge Testing/Remote Pilot Certification

1. I already have a pilot certificate issued under part 61. Do I need to obtain a remote pilot certificate to fly a UAS under the Small UAS Rule (Part 107)?
   Yes. All operations under the Part 107 rule require the UAS operator to have a remote pilot certificate, which he or she can obtain by taking an online training course. However, part 61 pilot certificate holders who have completed a flight review within the past 24 months may elect to take an online training course focusing on UAS-specific areas of knowledge instead of the knowledge test. All other members of the public must take and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test to obtain a remote pilot certificate.
2. When will the initial Knowledge Test at testing centers be available?
   Members of the public will be able to take the knowledge test at testing centers on the effective date of the Small UAS Rule in August 2016.
3. How can I find the closest Knowledge Testing Center to me?
   A list of Knowledge Testing Centers (PDF) is available.
4. How much does it cost to get a remote pilot certificate?
   We anticipate that a knowledge testing center will charge approximately $150 to people seeking to take the knowledge test.
5. Once I complete the Knowledge Test at one of the approved centers, what is the process for obtaining my pilot certificate from the FAA?
   After you have passed the Knowledge Test, you will then complete the FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (known as IACRA) to receive a remote pilot certificate. IACRA is a web-based certification/rating application that ensures you meet the requirements and electronically submits the application to the FAA's Airman Registry. Applications should be validated within 10 days. Applicants will then receive instructions for printing their temporary airman certificate, which is good for 120 days. The FAA will then mail you your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate within that 120 days.
6. What happens if I fail the knowledge test? How soon can I retake the test?
   You may retake the test after 14 days.
7. What do I need to bring with me to take the knowledge test?
   All applicants must bring a valid and current form of identification that includes their photo, date of birth, signature, and physical residential address. Acceptable forms of identification include:
   What to bring in order to take the knowledge test U.S. Citizen and Resident Aliens Non-U.S. Citizens
   • Driver permit or license issued by a U.S. state or territory
   • U.S. Government identification card
   • U.S. Military identification card
   • Passport
   • Alien residency card
   • Passport
     AND
   • Driver permit or license issued by a U.S. state or territory
     OR
   • Identification card issued by any government entity​.