Step 1: Confirm Certifications
Ensure you have a valid FAA TRUST Certificate (recreational) or Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial).

Step 2: Register Your Drone
All drones weighing more than 0.55 lb must be registered with the FAA.

Step 3: Create a Pilot Account
Register as a drone pilot in the AirHub® Portal. Once registered, you’ll have access to up-to-date airspace information and can submit flight authorization requests through LAANC.

Step 4: Plan Your Operation
Locate your flight area using an address, coordinates, or the interactive map. Define operation details such as altitude, start time, and flight area.

Step 5: Request FAA Authorization
Submit your request AirHub® Portal for near real-time FAA approval to operate in controlled airspace under 400 feet.
 

FAA TRUST Test (Recreational Pilots)

The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is required for all recreational drone pilots in the U.S. It ensures pilots understand basic safety and airspace rules before flying. The free online test can be completed in about 30 minutes through FAA-approved providers.

• Take the free online training to obtain your TRUST Certificate: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/knowledge_test_updates

Part 107 Certification (Commercial Pilots)

Commercial drone pilots must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. This certification demonstrates that the pilot understands national airspace classifications, weather impacts, and operational limitations for safe flight. Testing is available at FAA-approved testing centers nationwide.

• Learn how to become a certified FAA Remote Pilot: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot

Part 108 (Advanced Operations)

The FAA’s upcoming Part 108 rule will provide the framework for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and other advanced drone operations. It builds upon Part 107, enabling more complex commercial and public safety missions such as delivery or infrastructure inspection. This rule is still in development but will mark a major milestone in advanced air mobility.

• Learn about the upcoming FAA Part 108 framework for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and advanced drone operations: https://www.flyusi.org/blog/part-108-bvlos-uas-workforce-standards

LAANC – Low Altitude Authorization & Notification Capability

LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between FAA and Industry. LAANC provides near real-time approval for drone flights in controlled airspace under 400 feet. Pilots can use authorized applications—like Airspace Link’s AirHub® Portal—to request FAA LAANC authorization digitally in seconds. It’s available at hundreds of airports across the U.S.

• Instant FAA airspace authorizations for flights in controlled airspace: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc

B4UFLY

The FAA’s B4UFLY service shows where recreational flyers can and cannot fly. The FAA has approved five companies to provide B4UFLY services through desktop and mobile applications, such as Airspace Link’s AirHub® Portal. B4UFLY provides situational awareness to recreational flyers and other drone users, such as guidance on restricted areas, temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), and controlled airspace boundaries before takeoff. 

• Check where you can and cannot fly: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly

TFRs – Temporary Flight Restrictions

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are areas where drone flights are temporarily limited or prohibited, often due to large events, disasters, or national security operations. Checking for active TFRs before every flight helps pilots avoid fines or enforcement actions.

• Check for restricted areas or special events: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/temporary_flight_restrictions

FAA DroneZone

The FAA DroneZone is the official portal for registering your drone, renewing pilot certificates, applying for waivers, and managing operational approvals. It’s the central online hub for all FAA drone compliance activities.

• Register your drone, manage pilot certificates, and apply for waivers: https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/

UAS Facility Maps

The UAS Facility Maps show FAA-approved grid areas that indicate the maximum altitude allowed for automated authorization requests. Pilots can reference these maps to understand where flight requests will likely be approved instantly through LAANC.

• View FAA-approved grid maps to determine altitude limits for authorization: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/uas_facility_maps
   

• Remote Pilot Certificate: Obtain by passing an FAA knowledge test (or online course for Part 61 pilots).
• Aircraft Weight: Must be under 55 lbs (25 kg) to operate under Part 107.
• Altitude Limit: Max 400 ft AGL (unless within 400 ft of a structure).
• Speed Limit: Max 100 mph (87 knots).
• Visual Line of Sight: Drone must remain within unaided sight; one pilot per drone.
• Daylight Operations: Daylight or twilight only (30 min before sunrise / after sunset) with anti-collision lighting.
• Night Operations: Allowed if pilot has completed night-flight training and anti-collision lights are used.
• Operations Over People: Permitted if drone meets FAA category requirements.
• Controlled Airspace: Requires LAANC or FAA authorization, even below 400 ft.