FAA SEEKS TRUST
ADMINISTRATORS
FOR RECREATIONAL
SAFETY TEST
By Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org
THE FAA RECENTLY RELEASED information regarding the next step of implementation of the Recreational Knowledge and Safety Test. This step includes the application process for organizations that are interested in serving as test administrators for The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
On October 5, 2018, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 was signed into law. It included a requirement for all recreational UAS users to pass a knowledge and safety test in order to operate a recreational model aircraft within the National Airspace System (NAS).
While working with the FAA, AMA has advocated for our members because of the testing mandate, ensuring that the test meets the intent of Congress without placing an undue burden on our hobby. In the spring of 2019, AMA met with UAS stakeholders and the FAA, hosting a round-table discussion to lay out the guidelines and administration of the knowledge and safety test, as well as develop the questions included on the test.
In September 2019, AMA sent a request for information to officially declare its interest in becoming a test administrator. AMA is advocating that the test be available both online and in a written format at fixed locations, such as an AMA site, to ensure that all members are easily able to take the test.
AMA expects that the test will more closely resemble a guided checklist of things to know before you fly, rather than a typical test that most are familiar with. Early indications are that the test will have approximately 25 multiple-choice questions about basic safety guidelines and recreational flying knowledge that most members will already know. If a member misses a question, he or she will be able to go back and reselect an answer until the response is correct. This leads the test taker in the right direction and guarantees completion and passage of the test. It is designed to bring safety awareness to the airspace and not to exclude recreational users from operating in the NAS.
It is important to understand that there is no new requirement for users at this time. However, the announcement of the application process for test administrators shows that the FAA is making progress and recreational users should expect to see the required test sometime in 2021. Following are FAQs regarding the test:
Q: What is “TRUST”?
A: “TRUST” stands for The Recreational UAS Safety Test.
Q: Why do I need to take TRUST?
A: The Knowledge and Safety Test is a congressional mandate in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. All UAS users must pass the test in order to operate a UAS within the NAS.
Q: I have a Part 107 Certificate; do I also need to complete TRUST?
A: Yes. There are no exemptions from taking the test, including for currently certificated pilots. Anyone who flies recreational UAS is required to complete the test.
Q: Are youth under the age of 18 required to complete TRUST?
A: Yes. There are no exemptions from taking the test, including for minors. Youth can get assistance from an adult, if needed.
Q: How often do I need to take the test?
A: At this time, recreational operators only need to take the test once to comply.
Q: What will be on TRUST?
A: The test will have approximately 25 multiple-choice questions about basic safety guidelines and recreational flying knowledge that most AMA members likely already know. Early indications are that this test will be failproof, and every recreational user will be able to complete and pass the test.
Q: Does TRUST cost anything?
A: No. Test administrators are prohibited from charging a fee, either directly or indirectly, to individuals taking the test.
Q: How will I know that I have passed TRUST and am able to fly my UAS?
A: After you complete and pass the test, your test administrator will provide you with a TRUST completion certificate that you can either print or save electronically. This certificate is proof of your compliance with the Reauthorization Act of 2018 and your passage of the test.
Q: Will TRUST affect my AMA membership benefits?
A: Proof of test completion will not be a requirement for AMA membership. However, each member affirms that he or she will follow AMA’s safety code, including applicable laws and regulations, when he or she signs up to be a member.
Q: When will recreational users be required to take the test?
A: The FAA has not yet released dates regarding when the test will be available to users, but members should expect the testing requirement to be in place sometime in the second half of 2021.
