Newark, NJ Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Recreational Flyers & Community-Based Organizations There are currently two sets of rules for small UAS. Commercial Operations. The rule for operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones under 55.0 pounds in the National Airspace System (NAS) is 14 CFR Part 107, referred to as the Small UAS Rule; this rule enables certificated remote pilots to fly for work or business. Recreational Operations. If you want to fly a drone for purely recreational purposes, there is a limited statutory exception ("carve out") that provides a basic set of requirements; this is known as the The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (USC 44809). Recreational Flyers are required to complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of completion while operating. What are the Rules for Recreational Flyers? The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (USC 44809) is the law that describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules helps keep people, your drone and our airspace safe: - Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment). - Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO). - Keep your drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you. - Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft. - Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface Class E designated for an airport) only with prior FAA authorization by using LAANC or DroneZone. - Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. - Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage when flying. - Have a current FAA registration, mark your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration with you when flying. - Do not operate your drone in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system. As of September 16, 2023, if your drone requires an FAA registration number it will also be required to broadcast Remote ID information (unless flown within a Federally-Recognized Identification Area, or FRIA).