The FAA has selected 16 organizations to administer the new Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Test (TRUST).
Hobbyists with drones that weigh more than .55 pounds are required to take the free, online test.
The test was developed to provide recreational drone flyers with aeronautical safety knowledge and an overview of the rules for operating drones in the National Airspace System, according to FAA officials.
“These organizations are key to making this test widely available and easily accessible to recreational drone pilots,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “We need pilots of all aircraft, including those who operate recreational drones, to have the training and knowledge needed to operate safely in the nation’s airspace.”
The test may be taken through any of the following approved organizations:
- The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
- The Boy Scouts of America
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Community College of Allegheny County–West Hills Center
- CrossFlight Sky Solutions LLC
- Drone Launch Academy LLC
- Drone U
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)
- HSU Educational Foundation
- Lake Area Technical College
- Pilot Institute
- Proctorio Incorporated
- Tactical Aviation
- UAV Coach
- University of Arizona Global Campus
- Volatus Aerospace Corp
Links to test administrators are available on the FAA website. The test is administered online at no cost through the approved test administrators.
After passing the test, recreational drone flyers will be issued a completion certificate which they are required to show if asked by FAA or law enforcement personnel. The completion certificate does not expire. Recreational drone flyers should take the test at their earliest convenience, FAA officials note.
Congress required the development of the testing program in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. The drone community provided input into the test development.
Yeah, there’s a lot of “the national airspace” below 400 AGL.
If you’re THAT close to an airport and anywhere near the extnded runway centerline, I agree to some extent: you need your head examined — but a test won’t stop you.
However, if (under those circumstances) you pose a threat to aircraft, the aircraft’s already in a heap of trouble, and your drone isn’t likely to add anything to it.
The article is somewhat misleading in that it implies the FAA’s Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Test (TRUST) only applies to DRONES. In reality applies to “Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems” and the FAA in true broad brush governmental fashion also means model airplanes over 8.8 oz.
As a political right winger, I generally criticize more regulations. However, the FAA is one of those agencies responsible for safety to the general public either on-board flying machines or on the ground when one of them slams into their houses and businesses. Living here in the Southern Missouri Ozarks as I do, I’m front seat witness to irresponsible juvenile idiocy of some physical adults with miniature brains. Even model airplane hobbyists have more respect for the general public and aircraft than some guys with flying gnats (drones). Just as I applaud traffic laws and regulations to pull drunks off the roads, I applaud the FAA for requiring certification of drone operators. One of these days one of those irresponsible ‘hold my beer’ drone cowboys will kill somebody with their toys, and it is my fondest hope the full weight of the Federal government is brought down on their pinheads. Regards/J
The real problem is the FAA and their lap dog AOPA working together to come up with more rules and regulations. We all remember when drones became popular how they were bringing down airliners and choppers around the country by the hundreds and we needed emergency rules to end this mass casualty events around the country..Total fabrications to drum up support for more regulation. I would like to see the real documented numbers of drone impacts on aircraft around our airports .
I think they are trying to prevent the collisions of the future. These things are a scourge on aviation in general.
And I am a certificated pilot AND a remote pilot also.
So I view this form both sides.
We need less of the FAA – NOT more.
It would be nice if the FAA would focus on doing a thorough and responsive job regulating the stuff that needs to be regulated (such as the 737 Max) and otherwise leave the rest of the aviation world alone.
We surely don’t need the FAA involved in regulating the private use of a 65 horsepower bug smasher – let alone a 251-gram drone.