Part 107 vs TRUST: Which FAA Rules Apply to Your Drone Flights?

By DroneLive Editorial · Published Oct 28, 2026 · 4 min read

TRUST or a Part 107 remote pilot certificate? Learn the difference, what the FAA says counts as recreational, and where a monetized YouTube channel fits.

Almost every US drone pilot eventually hits the same question: do I need a license? The honest answer is "it depends on why you are flying," and the FAA has two main frameworks that cover small drones. One is the recreational exception, which requires a free online safety test called TRUST. The other is Part 107, the Small UAS Rule, which requires a Remote Pilot Certificate. Picking the wrong one is not a paperwork problem. It can mean flying without the certification the law expects.

The short version

TRUST is for flying purely for fun or personal enjoyment.
Part 107 is the default rule for almost everything else, including work, business and many "goodwill" flights.
When you are unsure, the FAA's own advice is to assume Part 107 applies.

What TRUST covers

The recreational exception comes from a federal statute, 49 U.S.C. 44809. The FAA's recreational-flyer page lists what you must do under it:

Fly only for recreational purposes.
Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization (CBO).
Keep the drone within visual line of sight, or use a co-located visual observer in direct communication with you.
Give way to, and never interfere with, other aircraft.
Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace, and only with prior authorization (through LAANC or DroneZone).
Fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace.
Pass TRUST and carry proof of passage when you fly.
Hold a current FAA registration, mark the aircraft and carry proof of registration, if your drone requires it.

TRUST is free, online and allows unlimited attempts. Registration is required once a drone weighs 250 grams (0.55 lb) or more. And once a drone requires registration it must also broadcast Remote ID unless it flies inside an FAA-recognized identification area; see Remote ID explained.

What Part 107 covers

Part 107 governs drones under 55 pounds flown for work, business and most other non-recreational reasons. To earn a Remote Pilot Certificate you must be at least 16, read, speak, write and understand English, be in a condition to fly safely, and pass the "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small" knowledge exam at an FAA-approved testing center. The test has a fee set by the testing center; plan on a bill in the neighborhood of a couple hundred dollars and check current prices. You also apply through the FAA's IACRA system and go through a TSA security vetting step.

Once you hold the certificate, you must complete free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to keep your knowledge current. Part 107 pilots register each aircraft individually, rather than registering once as a recreational flyer does.

What counts as "recreational"?

This is where pilots get tripped up. The FAA says directly that compensation, or the lack of it, is not the single deciding factor. Its examples of non-recreational flights include photographing a property to help sell it, inspecting a roof and even taking pictures of a high school football game for the school's website. It also notes that goodwill, such as volunteering to survey a coastline for a non-profit, can be non-recreational. The agency's advice is blunt: if you are not sure, assume Part 107 and meet all of its requirements.

Where does a YouTube channel fit?

Many DroneLive pilots post videos for pure enjoyment, and that is the classic recreational case. The gray area opens when a channel is monetized, sells prints or stock footage, promotes a business, or accepts sponsorships. The FAA has not published a simple bright line that sorts every channel, so we will not pretend to give you one. If your flights are meant to produce income, the safest course is to get the Part 107 certificate. It is not expensive relative to the gear, it opens up more flexible rules, and it protects you if the FAA or an insurer asks questions. This is general information, not legal advice; consult a qualified adviser for your situation. Our guide to growing a drone YouTube channel has more on turning flights into content responsibly.

Common mistakes

Assuming "under 250 grams" means no rules. A small drone still has to be flown safely, can be subject to airspace restrictions, and may require Remote ID if used commercially.
Forgetting the proof. Recreational flyers must be able to show proof of TRUST. Part 107 pilots must have their certificate easily accessible.
Flying beyond line of sight. Recreational flyers cannot. As of our last check, the FAA's proposed rule to normalize beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations (often called Part 108) was not final, so BVLOS still requires an FAA waiver or other authorization.
Ignoring controlled airspace. Class B, C, D and surface Class E airspace require authorization for both recreational and Part 107 pilots.
Flying at events. Crowds, temporary flight restrictions and permit conditions can all apply. Drone light shows operate under specialized FAA authorizations; see how drone light shows work.

Which one should you get?

If you are an adult hobbyist who flies for personal enjoyment, take TRUST today; it takes a short time and costs nothing. If you plan to sell footage, shoot for clients, fly for a company or run a monetized channel that depends on your flights, prepare for Part 107. Plenty of pilots do both: they take TRUST first, then study for the certificate when their hobby turns into something more.

Whichever route you take, stay current. FAA rules, airspace tools and registration processes change, and the sources below are the places to verify the latest.

DroneLive is not a legal or regulatory authority. Always confirm requirements with the FAA before flying.

Sources & further reading

DroneLive articles are informational and not legal advice. Rules and product availability change — confirm details with the FAA and the manufacturer before you fly or buy.