This lesson matters. Flying without proper registration or in the wrong airspace can result in real fines. Once you've got it sorted, it takes about an hour total and you can fly worry-free for years.
FAA Registration — $5, Required
Any RC aircraft over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA. That covers virtually every beginner trainer. Registration is $5, lasts 3 years, and covers all your aircraft. Mark the registration number inside the battery hatch with a permanent marker.
Register at FAA DroneZone — $5 →The TRUST Exam — Free, Required
A free online safety test required for all recreational flyers. About 20–30 minutes, completely free, and you carry the certificate when flying. Covers genuinely useful airspace and safety information.
Take the Free TRUST Exam →AMA Membership — Strongly Recommended
- $2.5 million liability insurance per incident — if your airplane causes damage, you do not want to be uninsured.
- Access to hundreds of AMA-sanctioned flying fields
- An organization actively protecting this hobby for everyone
Safety Practices
- Always do a pre-flight check. See Lesson 8 and our printable checklist.
- Transmitter on before airplane. Airplane battery out before transmitter off.
- Never arm the throttle until ready to fly.
- Keep people and animals behind you and clear of the flight path.
- Fly within visual line of sight at all times.
Field Etiquette: Never walk onto the flight line while others are flying. Announce takeoffs and landings. When in doubt, ask — nobody at a flying field thinks less of you for it.
What's Next
In Lesson 3 we walk through the different types of RC airplanes — trainers, warbirds, gliders, and everything in between. Worth knowing what's out there before you start shopping.