Do You Need a License to Fly a Drone?

The most important question is simple: are you flying purely for recreational enjoyment—or not?

Recreational Use (No License Required)

You do NOT need a license only if:

• You are flying strictly for personal enjoyment
• The flight has no business purpose whatsoever
• You pass the TRUST safety test

Key point: The flight must be purely recreational at the time of the flight.

Commercial Use (License Required)

You DO need a license if the flight is anything other than recreational.

This includes:

• Any paid work
• Roof or property inspections
• Real estate or construction documentation
• Any flight that benefits a business in any way

Important: Even if you are not paid, if the flight is not purely for enjoyment, it is considered commercial use under FAA rules.

This is why many property owners and businesses choose to work with a licensed drone operator instead of navigating certification and compliance themselves.

This requires a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Where People Get This Wrong

Many people assume:

“I’m just checking my own roof.”

But if the flight relates to:

• Insurance claims
• Property decisions
• Any business purpose

👉 It is NOT recreational—and requires a license.