Flying for Work or Just for Fun?
Recreational or Commercial? Why Does It Matter?
The FAA draws a clear line: if you're flying for anything other than personal enjoyment, you're in commercial territory—even if you're not getting paid. That means you’ll need a Part 107 certification.
This includes:
- Filming for YouTube monetization
- Real estate photography
- School projects or non-profit work
- Any flight that benefits someone else
- Anything that not "Just For Fun"
What Are the “Just for Fun” Requirements?
Flying recreationally under Section 44809 means you must follow these rules:
- ✅ Fly strictly for personal enjoyment
- ✅ Pass the TRUST test (free and unfailable)
- ✅ Follow safety guidelines from a community-based organization
- ✅ Stay under 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace
- ✅ Get LAANC clearance to fly in controlled airspace
- ✅ Register your drone if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs
- ❌ No business use—even if unpaid
Want to take the TRUST test? Jump to Free TRUST Training at Pilot Institute
FAA Comparison: Part 107 vs Section 44809
| Feature | Recreational (44809) | Commercial (Part 107) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Personal enjoyment only | Business, education, monetization |
| Certification Required | TRUST test | FAA Part 107 Knowledge Exam |
| Flying Test | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Medical Exam | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Registration | ✅ Over 0.55 lbs | ✅ Over 0.55 lbs |
| Airspace Access | Limited to uncontrolled | Can request waivers for controlled |
| Night Operations | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ With waiver |
| Flying Over People | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ With waiver |
| Certificate Validity | N/A | 2 years, renewable |
So You’re Going Commercial. Here’s What’s Involved:
Flying under Part 107 unlocks more flexibility—but requires certification:
- 🧠 Pass the FAA Knowledge Exam (no flying test required)
- 📜 Certificate valid for 2 years
- 🛫 Fly for business, inspections, real estate, content creation, and more
- 🧭 Apply for waivers to fly at night, over people, or in controlled airspace
- ❌ No medical certificate or physical exam needed
Want to start studying? Visit PracticePart107.com
Still Not Sure Which You Are?
Ask yourself:
- Am I flying for someone else’s benefit?
- Will this footage be used commercially?
- Am I part of a business, nonprofit, or school project?
If the answer is anything other than “I'm flying just for fun,” you’re likely in Part 107 territory.
Free TRUST Training at Pilot Institute
Passing the TRUST certification is required when flying recreationally. It's a free course with progress quizzes and you cannot fail. At the end you'll receive a free certificate that you must download.
Even if you'll be studying for your Part 107, you can benefit from the 30-minute can't-fail TRUST training. And you can get flying Just For Fun before you're commercial.
