Recreational drone use is where the thrill of flight meets pure fun and curiosity—whether you’re zipping around your backyard, capturing stunning aerial shots on a weekend adventure, or racing friends through makeshift obstacle courses. Flying recreationally is how many pilots catch the bug, learning the basics of safe flight, mastering tricky maneuvers, and exploring new ways to see the world from above. It’s a hobby that’s easy to start, endlessly rewarding, and a gateway to skills that can grow into more serious opportunities down the road. Plus, let’s be honest—there’s just nothing quite like the feeling of sending your drone skyward and seeing the world from a bird’s-eye view.
The FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) is an essential requirement for anyone flying drones recreationally in the United States. It ensures that pilots understand the basic rules of safe and responsible drone operation, including airspace awareness, flight restrictions, and safety best practices. By completing the TRUST test, drone hobbyists help protect people, property, and other aircraft while gaining the knowledge they need to enjoy flying legally and confidently. It’s a simple but important step in keeping the skies safe for everyone.
Recreational or hobby UAS or drone use is flying for enjoyment and not for work, business purposes, or for compensation or hire. In the FAA's Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, the FAA relied on the ordinary, dictionary definition of these terms.
