FAA Regulations for Recreational Flyers
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has enacted the federal regulations outlined below. These apply to RC model aircraft (encompasses the various terms used by the FAA, including drones, UAS, sUAS, and UAV) flown at the Wright Flyers Field site. These regulations are subject to enforcement by the FAA and could result in fines or criminal penalties for failure to comply. Local law enforcement cannot enforce these regulations, but could gather information on violations and notify the FAA.
1. Registration: Pilots who fly RC model aircraft weighting more than .55 pounds are required to register with the FAA through the FAADroneZone (https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov). Only one registration number is required for all your aircraft. Each aircraft flown must be labeled on an outside surface with your registration number. You must have your registration certificate (either a paper copy or digital copy) in your possession when you fly. If another individual operates your aircraft, they must have your registration certificate in their possession. Pilots are required to show their certificate of registration to any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer if asked.
2. The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST): The law requires that all recreational flyers pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of passage if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel. The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) was developed to meet this requirement. The TRUST is a free online test and is administered by a number of institutions (see https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/knowledge_test_updates). The TRUST takes less than 20 minutes and you will always pass it. After completing TRUST, you will need to download, save or print your completion certificate from the test administrator. No records are kept of your test completion, so if you lose your certificate, you will need to re-take TRUST. You must carry proof of test passage while flying.
3. Remote ID and FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA): Remote ID is the ability of a RC model aircraft in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a broadcast signal. Wright Flyers Field is a FRIA where aircraft without Remote ID capability may legally be flown. Both the aircraft and the pilot must be located within the FRIA's boundaries throughout the flight, and the pilot (or a spotter) must be able to see the aircraft at all times. If an aircraft has built-in Remote ID capability, it must be operational even when flown in a FRIA. If RC model aircraft are flown outside a FRIA, they are required to have Remote ID capability, either built-in or an added-on broadcast module. The serial number of this equipment is required to be registered on your FAADroneZone registration account.
4. Safety Requirements: FAA regulations require recreational flyers to comply with the following safety rules (tailored to Wright Flyers Field):
Do not operate your model aircraft in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system.
Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft.
Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO). (For our club, this is the AMA.)
Keep your aircraft within the visual line of sight, or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, unless waived by the FAA. (Wright Flyers Field has a waiver that allows pilots to fly up to 1200 feet above ground level).