FAA-sourced guides for US drone beginners
From first flight to FAA-certified
Plain-English guides to choosing your first drone, flying legally, and earning your Part 107 license. Written by a beginner learning in public, with every rule linked to the FAA.
✓ Every rule linked to its FAA source ✓ Updated for 2026 ✓ No fake “hands-on” reviews
Explore
Where do you want to go?
Pick a starting point. Every guide is written for US beginners and updated for 2026.
Learn to Fly
How to fly, avoid crashes, and handle wind, rain and night flying.
Rules & Registration
TRUST, FAA registration, Remote ID and where you can fly.
Part 107 License
Fly for money: eligibility, the $175 test, and how to study.
Best Drones
Beginner drones by budget, with US prices and the 250 g rule.
Aerial Photography
Camera drones and simple tips for better photos and video.
FPV Flying
What FPV is, what you need, and the rules for goggles.
New pilot?
Fly legally in 5 steps
Most people finish steps 1–4 in one evening. The only required cost is the $5 registration, and only if your drone needs it.
Most read
Featured beginner guides
The questions every new US drone pilot asks first.
Do You Need a License to Fly a Drone? (2026 FAA Rules)
Read the guide →
How to Register Your Drone with the FAA (2026 Step-by-Step)
Read the guide →
Remote ID Explained for Beginners: Does Your Drone Need It?
Read the guide →
Best Drones for Beginners (2026): US Prices and Availability
Read the guide →
How Much Does a Drone Cost in 2026? Prices by Tier
Read the guide →
How to Fly a Drone: A Beginner’s First-Flight Checklist
Read the guide →
Fly for money
Want to get paid to fly? Get your Part 107 certificate.
Real estate photos, roof inspections, events and mapping all need an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Here is what it takes:
- Be 16 or older and pass the FAA knowledge test (about $175)
- 60 questions, 2 hours, 70% to pass
- Recurrent training is free online every 24 months
Study-course comparison coming soon.
Follow along
Doug’s beginner journey
I’m new to drones, and I’m documenting every step from zero to Part 107, mistakes included. Here’s the plan:
- Take the free TRUST test
- Register with the FAA
- Buy a first drone (and explain why)
- First 10 flights: what I learned
- Study for Part 107
- Pass the test
First update coming soon.
Fresh
Latest guides
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Drone Photography Tips for Beginners: Light, Composition and Settings
Practical drone photography tips: golden hour, top-down composition, RAW and exposure settings, smooth video moves, and staying legal.
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Underwater Drones: How They Work, What They Cost and What to Buy
How underwater drones differ from aerial drones, example models with Oct 2026 US prices, and what to look for in…
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Best Drones Under 250 Grams (2026): No Registration for Hobby Flyers
Sub-250 g drones compared with Oct 2026 US prices and availability, plus exactly when a mini drone still needs FAA…
Free for beginners
Get the First Drone Checklist
TRUST test, FAA registration, Remote ID and where you can fly, on one printable page. Work through it before your first flight.
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Who’s behind this site?
I’m Doug Tew, a retired firefighter/paramedic from Wisconsin and a drone beginner. Guides are researched from FAA rules and manufacturer information, and they link to their sources. We don’t claim to have tested a product unless a post says so. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. About me · Disclosure