The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) functions as a regulatory agency under the U.S. Department of Transportation with a primary mission of ensuring the safety of civil aviation. “Civil aviation” includes all non-military, private, and commercial aviation activities, including aerospace activities. The FAA has been very engaged in a review of aeromodelling (referring to our hobby as “unmanned aircraft systems” or “UAS” and aggregating all types of model aircraft as “drones”). Furthermore, the FAA refers to pilots of model aircraft as “recreational flyers”. As a result of its review, the FAA has put into place a number of requirements and regulations. If you would like to learn more about the FAA’s review and actions, please click here.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is the official national body for model aviation in the United States and they have actively advocated for aeromodellers’ interests with the FAA. Please click here for information from the AMA concerning its interactions with the FAA.
The requirements and regulations have now been finalized by the FAA and, for those piloting model aircraft at our flying site, NCRCC expects voluntary compliance to: maintain an active registration with the FAA, have the proper identification information on each model aircraft, and have available proof of successful completion of the TRUST testing. Neither the AMA nor NCRCC are responsible for compliance with FAA regulations. Compliance is the exclusive responsibility of the pilot. This section of the website provides general information concerning those requirements and regulations to assist our members. Members are encouraged to research this topic, as well.
The NCRCC Flying Field
One of the most significant requirements of the FAA is for model aircraft to be flown either within an approved FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) site or to use remote identification devices (RIDs) when flying outside of a FRIA-approved site. NCRCC is pleased to note that its flying field on Green Rd. in Ellington, CT is an approved FRIA site. As such, RIDs are not required to fly within the confines of our site map. To view NCRCC’s FRIA site map, please click here.
Those who fly at locations that are not FRIA-approved should consider using RIDs so that they remain compliant with that aspect of the regulations. The FAA website, the TRUST test, and your research will offer insight into additional requirements associated with flying outside of a FRIA-approved location.
Steps You Can Take to Comply with the FAA Requirements/Regulations
In addition to flying within a FRIA-approved site (or using a RID when not flying within a FRIA-approved site), pilots of models are subject to other FAA regulations. As noted above, NCRCC expects voluntary compliance to: maintain an active registration with the FAA, have the proper identification information on each model aircraft, and have available proof of successful completion of the TRUST testing.
For a pilot to be compliant with key FAA regulations, please successfully complete each of the three steps below:
- Maintain an Active Registration with the FAA
Recreational model aircraft weighing 0.55 lbs. (250 grams) to 55 lbs. are covered under the UAS pilot registration. This includes traditional fixed wing model aircraft, model helicopters, drones, and other remote controlled model aircraft. All of a pilot’s models meeting the above criteria are covered by the pilot registration – the models do not need to be registered individually. All recreational models weighing between 0.55 lbs. and 55 lbs. must be marked with the pilot’s Small UAS Certificate of Registration Number. Models under 0.55 lbs., indoor, control-line, or free-flight models are exempt from marking with the registration number.
Recreational pilot registration costs $5.00. Registration is renewed every three years. After you register, you will be issued a Small UAS Certificate of Registration with a registration number to be marked on your recreational models that require marking.
When you register, you will be asked to provide your name, physical address, email address, and other information. For example, if you fly drones, the serial number for the Remote Identification standard drone or broadcast module must be included in the registration data. This can be included with a new registration or be updated for a renewal registration. Once your registration is complete, you will be assigned a registration number. This number must be displayed or “marked” on the outside surface of each of your models. The marking process will be discussed in greater detail in the next bullet item.
To assist our members with the registration process, a step-by-step aide has been created.
- Go to the FAA website (click here).
- Login with your email and password. If this is your first time accessing the FAA website, you will need to set up an account completely (including the payment of the fee) before proceeding to the next step.
- Click on the “I Agree” prompt in the center left side of the screen to get past the System Use Notice.
- Click on the “Launch Drone Owners and Pilots Dashboard” button in the lower left side of the screen.
- Click on the “Manage Device Inventory” button in the center left side of the screen.
- Click on the “Add Device” button in the upper right side of the screen.
- Click “No” if your model aircraft or drone does not have Remote ID (recommended for first device).
- For “Device Type”, select “Homebuilt UAS” (recommended for first device).
- For “UAS Manufacturer”, type in the word, “SELF”.
- For “Nickname”, leave it blank (recommended for first device).
- For “UAS Model”, type in the name of the model. This can be anything as this field just requires an entry.
Once you have successfully added a “device” (e.g., model aircraft), there will be at least one “device” in your inventory and the system will allow you to proceed with the registration process. You must have at least one “device” in your inventory.
Registrations with the FAA last for three years after which the aeromodeller must renew his/her registration.
If asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel, you must provide proof of registration and proof that you have completed the TRUST course. Both documents may be in paper or electronic format. The TRUST course will be discussed in greater detail in the third bullet item. You must also be able to explain which FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines you are following. Members of NCRCC follow the AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code.
2. Have the Proper Identification Information on Each Model Aircraft
Once you have registered with the FAA, you will be issued a registration number. Your FAA registration number must be displayed or “marked” on the outside surface of each of your models. If, for example, you have five R/C airplanes, you may mark and use your same registration number on all five aircraft.
The registration number on the outside of your model must be visible upon inspection. The number cannot be hidden under any doors or hatches. You may choose to write the number onto masking tape, use a label, or write it directly onto the model.
If asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel, you must provide proof of registration and proof that you have completed the TRUST course. (The TRUST course is discussed in the next bullet item.) Both documents may be in paper or electronic format. You must also be able to explain which FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines you are following. Members of NCRCC follow the AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code.
3. Have Available Proof of Successful Completion of the TRUST Testing
The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) was developed by the FAA (with input from the AMA) to assess general aeronautical knowledge, important safety protocols, and key regulatory information. All recreational pilots must pass this test. Furthermore, pilots must provide proof of passage (and proof of registration with the FAA) if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel. You must also be able to explain which FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines you are following. Members of NCRCC follow the AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code.
The TRUST test is administered by the AMA in partnership with the FAA. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Once you click on the link to begin the process (there is a link to the test at the end of this paragraph), instructions regarding the test will appear. When you scroll to the lower right corner, you can then click on buttons to proceed with the test at your own pace. There are several sections of the test; they cover general aeronautical knowledge, important safety protocols, and key regulatory information. Each section begins with material for you to read and this material is then followed by test questions pertaining to the material you just read. If you answer a question incorrectly, you can click on the “retry” button to select the correct response. There is no cost associated with taking the TRUST test.
Upon completion of the test, you should print or save a digital copy of your completion certificate and keep it with you when you fly. Neither the AMA nor the FAA can re-issue your completion certificate if it is lost. Should you lose your completion certificate, you will need to re-take TRUST and obtain a new certificate.
To begin the TRUST test, click here.
