TRUST Test vs Part 107: What is the Difference? Complete Comparison

Key Difference: Recreational vs Commercial Use

The fundamental difference between TRUST and Part 107 is simple: TRUST is for recreational drone flying, while Part 107 is for commercial operations. However, the requirements, testing, and privileges differ significantly between these two certifications.

What is the TRUST Test?

TRUST Overview

TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) is a free online test required for all recreational drone pilots flying under the Exception for Recreational Flyers (formerly Section 336).

TRUST Requirements:

• Cost: Free
• Format: Online test only
• Age requirement: None specified (recommended 13+)
• Questions: Approximately 40 questions
• Passing score: Not specified (educational focus)
• Time limit: None
• Validity: No expiration

TRUST Test Topics

• Safety guidelines and best practices
• Operating limitations for recreational flyers
• Airspace restrictions and requirements
• Aircraft registration requirements
• Community-based organizations (CBOs)

What is Part 107?

Part 107 Overview

The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the FAA license required for any commercial drone operations, including business use, compensation, or furtherance of a business.

Part 107 Requirements:

• Cost: $175 knowledge test fee
• Format: Proctored exam at FAA-approved testing centers
• Age requirement: 16 years minimum
• Questions: 60 multiple-choice questions
• Passing score: 70% (42 correct answers)
• Time limit: 2 hours
• Validity: 24 months (requires recurrent training)

Part 107 Test Topics

• Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 107)
• Airspace classification and operating requirements
• Aviation weather sources and effects
• Emergency procedures
• Aircraft performance and loading
• Crew resource management

Detailed Comparison Chart

Operating Privileges Comparison

TRUST (Recreational) Operating Rules

What you CAN do with TRUST:

• Fly for recreation or hobby purposes only
• Fly under 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace
• Operate drones under 55 pounds
• Fly in visual line of sight
• Follow community-based organization safety guidelines

What you CANNOT do with TRUST:

• Receive any form of compensation
• Use drone footage for business purposes
• Fly in controlled airspace without authorization
• Operate at night (without waiver)
• Fly over people (without specific exceptions)

Part 107 (Commercial) Operating Privileges

What you CAN do with Part 107:

• Receive compensation for drone services
• Conduct commercial operations
• Apply for operational waivers
• Fly in controlled airspace with authorization
• Operate multiple aircraft
• Use drone footage for business purposes

Standard Part 107 Limitations:

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL
• Visual line of sight required
• Daylight operations only (without waiver)
• Minimum 3 miles visibility
• Maximum groundspeed: 100 mph
• No operations over people (without specific categories)

When Do You Need Each Certificate?

You Need TRUST If:

• Flying purely for fun or hobby
• Not receiving any compensation
• Not using footage for business
• Flying drones under 0.55 pounds
• Educational purposes (non-commercial)

Example TRUST scenarios:

• Weekend flying at the park
• Filming family vacations
• Learning to fly drones as a hobby
• Racing drones recreationally

You Need Part 107 If:

• Getting paid for drone services
• Using drone footage for business marketing
• Real estate photography
• Construction site inspections
• Any commercial use of drone

Example Part 107 scenarios:

• Wedding videography
• Property inspections
• Agricultural monitoring
• Search and rescue operations
• Social media content for business

Study Requirements and Difficulty

TRUST Test Preparation

Study materials needed:

• FAA recreational flying guidelines
• Basic safety practices
• Local airspace awareness
• Community-based organization rules

Preparation time: 1-2 hours of reading

Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly, common sense safety

Part 107 Test Preparation

Study materials needed:

• FAA Part 107 regulations
• Aviation weather interpretation
• Sectional chart reading
• Airspace classification system
• Aircraft performance principles
• Emergency procedures

Preparation time: 20-40 hours of study

Difficulty level: Requires aviation technical knowledge

Cost Comparison Beyond the Test

TRUST Total Costs

• Test fee: $0
• Study materials: $0 (free online)
• Drone registration: $5 (recreational)
• Total minimum cost: $5

Part 107 Total Costs

• Test fee: $175
• Study materials: $0-$300 (optional)
• Drone registration: $5 (commercial)
• Background check: $0
• Total minimum cost: $180

Legal Consequences of Wrong Choice

Flying Commercially with Only TRUST

Operating commercially with only recreational authorization can result in:

• FAA civil penalties up to $27,500
• Criminal charges for willful violations
• Confiscation of drone equipment
• Permanent aviation record

Common Violations

• Real estate agents using personal drones for listings
• Social media influencers monetizing drone footage
• Small business owners doing “favor” flights for payment
• Posting drone footage on monetized YouTube channels

Can You Have Both Certificates?

Yes! Many drone pilots hold both certifications:

Benefits of Having Both

• Flexibility: Fly recreationally or commercially as needed
• Knowledge: TRUST reinforces safety basics
• Compliance: Full understanding of both rule sets
• Teaching: Help others understand the differences

When Both Are Useful

• Professional pilots who also fly for fun
• Drone instructors teaching both audiences
• Commercial pilots flying at events with mixed purposes

Future-Proofing Your Decision

Starting with TRUST

Advantages:

• Low cost entry point
• Immediate flying privileges
• Learn basics before advancing

Limitations:

• Cannot monetize skills later
• Limited operational flexibility
• May need Part 107 eventually anyway

Starting with Part 107

Advantages:

• Can fly recreationally AND commercially
• More comprehensive aviation knowledge
• Professional credibility
• Business opportunities available

Limitations:

• Higher upfront cost and time investment
• More complex regulations to follow

Which Should You Choose?

Choose TRUST if you:

• Only want to fly for personal enjoyment
• Have no interest in commercial opportunities
• Want to start flying immediately at low cost
• Fly small drones (under 0.55 lbs)

Choose Part 107 if you:

• Want to earn money from drone operations
• Plan to use drones for business purposes
• Want maximum operational flexibility
• Are serious about drone piloting as a skill

Choose Both if you:

• Want to understand the complete regulatory framework
• Plan to teach or mentor other pilots
• Need flexibility between recreational and commercial operations

The choice between TRUST and Part 107 ultimately depends on your intended use of drones. TRUST provides a simple, free entry point for recreational pilots, while Part 107 offers comprehensive training and commercial privileges. Understanding both helps ensure you operate legally and safely regardless of your flying purposes.