What you need

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Drone and flight gear

Beginner camera drone under 250 g (e.g. DJI Mini series)1 · Choose one under 250 g to avoid some rules. If you are on a budget, look for used or refurbished ones.
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$250-$500
Cheap toy or practice droneoptional1 · Great to learn the controls for little money. Fly it indoors first.
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$30-$80
Extra batteriesoptional2 · More flying time. Make sure they fit your exact model.
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$40-$100
Spare propellersoptional1 set · Props break easily when you are learning.
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$10-$20
Carrying caseoptional1 · Protects your drone.
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$20-$40
Landing padoptional1 · Keeps dust and grass out of the motors.
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$10-$20
Phone or tablet for the flight app1 · Most drones use a free app on your phone.
$0 (you probably own one)
Microsd memory cardoptional1 · For photos and videos.
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$10-$20

Fees, tests and software

TRUST recreational test1 · Free. Required for fun flyers of any age.
$0
FAA drone registration1 per drone (or per pilot for Part 107 work) · Needed for drones of 0.55 lb or more, and for any drone used for work.
$5
Part 107 knowledge testoptional1 · Only if you want to earn money. Minimum age 16.
$175
Part 107 study book or online courseoptional1 · Free FAA study guide exists. Paid courses are optional.
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$0-$150
Airspace app (B4UFLY or Aloft)1 · Free apps that show where you can fly.
$0
Drone insuranceoptional1 · Useful if you fly for work.
$0-$50/month

Safety

Fire-safe battery bagoptional1 · Safer for charging and storing batteries.
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$10-$20
Orange safety vestoptional1 · Helpful for work and for being seen.
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$8-$15

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Certificates and registration

Certificate required

TRUST (recreational) or Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial)

For fun flying, you must pass TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test). It is free, online, and has no age limit; you keep the completion proof with you. For any work or business use, you need the Part 107 certificate from the FAA. You must be 16 or older, pass a 60-question test at an FAA-approved testing center (about $175), and apply through the FAA IACRA system and TSA security vetting.

Decide: just for fun (TRUST) or for work/money (Part 107).
For fun: take the free TRUST test through an FAA-approved test administrator (for example the FAA's own page lists them) and save your certificate.
Register your drone at faadronezone.faa.gov if it weighs 0.55 lb or more ($5, valid 3 years). Put the registration number on the outside of the drone.
For work: get an FTN number in IACRA, schedule the Knowledge Test with PSI, and pass it with 70% or more.
Complete the application in IACRA and wait for TSA vetting; you get a temporary certificate quickly and the plastic card later.
Part 107 pilots must renew with a free online recurrent training every 24 months.

Can I start right away? Go to the FAA TRUST page today, pick an approved test administrator, and take the free 30-minute test. Meanwhile, check the B4UFLY app to find a legal spot near you.

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What you need to know

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Basic rules for recreational flying

Fly only below 400 ft above the ground. Always keep the drone in your line of sight. Never fly over crowds, near stadiums, or near emergency work. Do not fly near airports without permission. Give way to all manned aircraft. Always carry your TRUST proof.

Airspace and permission (LAANC)

Near airports you need permission in controlled airspace. Use the B4UFLY app or an approved LAANC app (such as Aloft) to get permission quickly, often in seconds. Never fly in restricted areas, such as near military bases, national security sites, or during wildfires.

Registration and labeling

If your drone is 0.55 lb or more, register at faadronezone.faa.gov for $5. Write the number on the outside of the drone. Drones under 250 g for fun only do not need registration, but you still need TRUST. Drones used for work must always be registered.

Parks and local laws

National Parks ban takeoff and landing of drones. Many state and city parks have their own rules. Check the local park website before you fly. Respect people's privacy and never film people in private places.

Part 107 for work

Any paid or business flying needs Part 107. You can fly up to 400 ft, in daylight or twilight with anti-collision lights, and not over people without extra conditions. Waivers can be requested for special flights. The test covers weather, airspace maps, rules, and safety.

Safe practice and batteries

Start in a large empty field on a calm day. Check the weather and battery level before flying, and land with 20-30% left. Never charge batteries unattended. Do not fly in rain or strong wind. If a battery is swollen, stop using it.

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Where to learn it

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WebseiteFAA TRUSTFree official test for recreational flyers.

WebseiteFAA Remote Pilot Study GuideFree PDF from the FAA to prepare for Part 107.

Online-KursPilot Institute Part 107 coursePopular paid course with a pass guarantee.Browse online courses

Online-KursDrone Pilot Ground SchoolPaid Part 107 prep with videos and practice tests.Browse online courses

VerbandAcademy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)Clubs and flying fields where you can learn from others. Youth memberships are cheap.

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Key websites and creators

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Websites

faadronezone.faa.govFAA Drone ZoneOfficial site for drone registration.Visit

faa.gov/uasFAA UAS pageOfficial rules, TRUST, Part 107, and safety info.Visit

modelaircraft.orgAcademy of Model AeronauticsCommunity, clubs, and safety guidelines.Visit

aloft.aiAloftAirspace maps and LAANC authorizations.Visit

Creators and channels

YouTubeMavic PilotsForum-style community and drone how-tos.Visit

YouTubePotato JetDrone reviews and flying tips with beautiful cinematic examples.Visit

YouTubePilot InstituteFree lessons on FAA rules and Part 107 test prep.Visit

Recommended by the AI, not paid. Please check them yourself.

Are you a creator or do you run a related website? Get featured here

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Step by step

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Choose your goalDecide whether you want to fly for fun or for work. Under 16, you can only fly for fun, and a parent should be involved.
1 day
Done
Take the TRUST testDo the free online test and save your proof.
30-60 minutes
Done
Buy a dronePick a beginner drone, ideally under 250 g. Check used or refurbished options to save money.
1-3 days
Done
Register your droneRegister at FAADroneZone if needed and label the drone.
15 minutes
Done
Install apps and check airspaceInstall B4UFLY or Aloft and check your flying spot, plus local rules.
30 minutes
Done
Practice in a safe placeFly in an open field, away from people, roads, and airports. Practice hovering and landing first.
1-2 weeks
Done
Optional: get Part 107Study, book your test at a PSI center, apply in IACRA, and pass TSA vetting.
2-6 weeks
Done

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Your timeline

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What to do when, from the first week to the first year.

Week 1
- Take the free TRUST test and save your proof
- Buy or borrow a beginner drone
- Register the drone if it weighs 0.55 lb or more
Weeks 2 to 4
- Practice hovering, turning, and landing in an open field
- Install B4UFLY or Aloft and check airspace before every flight
- Learn your drone's return-to-home function
Months 2 to 3
- Practice smooth photo and video shots
- Join a local AMA club or drone group
- Decide if you want to earn money with Part 107
Months 4 to 6
- Study for Part 107 if you want to work (age 16+)
- Book the test at a PSI center and apply in IACRA
- Buy spare batteries and propellers
Months 7 to 12
- Try your first paid or portfolio projects if you have Part 107
- Consider insurance for work flights
- Renew your registration and training when due

Downloads a calendar file with one reminder per phase, starting today (Google, Apple, Outlook).

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Product reviews

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Experiences from signed-in users. We do not verify whether the product was purchased.

Guide: Fly a drone legally in the United States