Getting started guide · 5 min read · Updated September 2026

Do I Need Part 107, or Can I Fly Recreationally?

Start practice test

Start with the purpose of this flight

The recreational exception is for flying purely for personal enjoyment. Whether you are paid is not decisive by itself. A flight that supports a business, provides a service, or is flown for another non-recreational purpose generally falls under Part 107 for an ordinary small civil drone. Goodwill work can also be non-recreational.

The aircraft does not determine the purpose. The same drone may be used under different rules on different flights, if the pilot and aircraft meet the requirements for the chosen operation. Part 107 generally applies to small unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff, including attached equipment.

When recreational rules may fit

A flight for your own hobby or personal enjoyment may qualify for the recreational exception. Examples can include practicing your flying, taking personal photos, or enjoying a flight at an appropriate location. The purpose must actually be recreational; calling a flight unpaid, educational, or a favor does not automatically make it recreational.

A flight to provide photos to a business, support a listing, inspect a roof for someone, or perform volunteer work for an organization is not made recreational simply because no money changes hands. When the purpose is uncertain, check the FAA’s guidance before flying; the FAA recommends assuming Part 107 applies when you are unsure.

Situations that depend on the facts

A wedding flight illustrates why payment alone is not the test. Taking footage to deliver a requested service may be non-recreational even if you are helping a friend. Capturing a few moments incidentally during your own recreational flight may have a different purpose. Consider why you launched and what you intended to do with the footage.

The same care applies to online videos, school projects, clubs, and training. A hobby video is not automatically a business flight just because a channel later earns money. But a flight planned to create material for a revenue-generating business may be non-recreational. A school or club label by itself does not qualify an operation for the educational provision; that provision has specific institutional and program conditions. Personal hobby practice can be recreational, while training for a job or service should be assessed by its actual purpose.

What each path requires

Recreational flying: pass the free online TRUST test and carry proof of completion. There is no federal minimum age for TRUST. Follow an FAA-recognized community-based organization’s safety guidelines, keep the aircraft in visual line of sight (or use a co-located observer in direct communication), give way to other aircraft, and follow airspace and altitude limits.

Part 107 flying: first-time applicants generally must be at least 16, meet the eligibility requirements, and pass the UAG knowledge test. Eligible holders of certain current Part 61 certificates may use an FAA online course pathway instead. A remote pilot certificate does not expire, but the pilot must complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months to stay current.

Both paths have airspace, registration, and safety requirements. Recreational flights in controlled airspace need prior FAA authorization. Under ordinary Part 107 rules, authorization is required in Class B, C, D, and the surface area of Class E designated for an airport. Check the chart and current restrictions for the exact location.

Registration, weight, and Remote ID

For recreational flights, a drone weighing 250 grams or more generally must be registered; the limited exemption is for aircraft under 250 grams flown only recreationally. One recreational registration covers the owner’s recreational inventory. A drone registered only under the recreational system cannot be used for a Part 107 flight.

Registration and operating rules answer different questions. A light drone may qualify for a recreational registration exemption and still must follow the rules for the flight’s purpose, airspace, and location.

A practical checklist

Before each flight, ask:

1. Why am I flying? Is this purely personal recreation, or will it provide a service, support a business, or serve another purpose?
2. Which framework applies? If it is not purely recreational, confirm that you meet Part 107 requirements before operating.
3. What must I carry or complete? TRUST proof for recreational flying; the required Part 107 certificate and current aeronautical knowledge for Part 107 operations.
4. Is the drone registered for this kind of flight? Check weight and registration category, then confirm Remote ID compliance.
5. Can I fly at this location and time? Review current airspace authorizations, restrictions, local rules, and the applicable operating limits.

Start with the FAA’s FAA: Recreational Flyers or FAA: Become a Drone Pilot if you need to confirm which path applies.

Common questions

If nobody pays me, can I fly recreationally?

Not necessarily. Recreational flying must be purely for personal enjoyment. An unpaid favor, volunteer service, or flight supporting a business may be non-recreational. Look at the actual purpose of the flight.

Do I have to take a test to fly recreationally?

You do not need the Part 107 knowledge exam, but you must pass the free online TRUST test before recreational flying and carry proof of completion.

How old must I be to take TRUST?

The FAA sets no minimum age for TRUST. Separate age requirements apply to drone registration and to obtaining a Part 107 remote pilot certificate.

Can I use one drone for recreational and Part 107 flights?

Yes, if the aircraft and pilot meet the requirements for each flight. Registration depends on the kind of operation: each Part 107 aircraft must be individually registered, while a recreational registration covers the owner’s recreational inventory. A recreational-only registration cannot be used for a Part 107 flight.

Does a drone under 250 grams always avoid registration?

No. The weight exemption applies to aircraft under 250 grams flown only recreationally. All drones flown under Part 107 must be registered, regardless of weight. Count the aircraft as configured for flight, including attached equipment, and check current FAA instructions.

Can I fly recreationally at night?

Recreational night flights are possible when you follow the recreational safety guidelines, including visual line of sight and all other applicable rules. Part 107 has its own night-flight training and anti-collision-light requirements.

If I later sell a photo, does that change the original flight?

A later decision to sell an image does not by itself establish that the original flight was non-recreational. If obtaining saleable or business-supporting imagery was part of the purpose when you flew, assess the flight under Part 107.

What should I do if I am still unsure?

Review the FAA’s recreational flyer guidance or use its flyer-identification tool. If the flight is not clearly recreational, the FAA advises assuming Part 107 applies and meeting its requirements before flying.

Gear mentioned on this page

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. This never affects which products we recommend or what the practice questions say. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Amazon · search results

  Beginner drones under 250 grams

  Flown purely for recreation, a drone weighing less than 250 grams may qualify for the recreational registration exemption. Flown under Part 107, every drone must be registered.
  See options on Amazon↗ (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed and updated September 2026.

Spotted a mistake, or have a question this page does not answer? Send feedback, no email needed.

Related guides