What’s the Difference between Flying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as a Hobby and Flying Commercially?
Flying a UAV—also called an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle, a Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS), a drone, or a model aircraft—as a hobby or for recreational purposes is a popular pastime. Over the past few years, there has been tremendous growth in the number and types of these platforms available, especially for commercial use. They can be relatively easy to fly or rather involved. They can be flown manually or autonomously by an onboard computer following a flight plan the pilot provides. Technically, there is very little difference between the UAV, UAS, RPAS, drone, or model aircraft used for hobby or recreational purposes and the platform that is used commercially. The biggest differences may be in the cameras, sensors, or payload the commercial system carries. Regardless of what you call them, they operate in the National Air Space (NAS) and their operation is governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
If you are flying a UAV for hobby or recreational purposes, you must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). There is no minimum age requirement for obtaining a TRUST certificate. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), flying a UAV for hobby or recreation means flying for personal enjoyment. The FAA has established “The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (49 U.S.C. § 44809),” which includes the TRUST certificate requirement, to provide guidance for how, when, and where you can fly for recreational activities.
UAVs flown for educational and research purposes are also regulated by the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (49 U.S.C. § 44809). Organizations that qualify for this exception include institutions of higher education, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs, and other educational programs chartered by an FAA-recognized community-based organization (CBO). If an educational organization does not qualify as an institution of higher education or have a JROTC program, it must work with a CBO to operate under 44809. Otherwise, they must operate under Part 107. Some educational institutions may have other restrictions on UAV programs. Be sure to check the status at your institution.
- Flying a UAV for commercial purposes, including farming, is controlled under federal regulation 14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, often referred to as Part 107. Part 107 covers drones with a maximum weight of less than 55 pounds at takeoff or at any time during the flight. To operate one of these aircraft for commercial purposes, you must follow the Small UAS rule as defined in Part 107.
Figure 1. Rotary wing UAV in flight.
Rebecca Nagy, 2017
What Do I Need to Do to Fly a UAV Commercially?
There are specific requirements for obtaining a certificate to operate a UAV in the National Air Space (NAS). These requirements are developed and enforced by the FAA. To be eligible to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, you must first meet three criteria:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
- Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAV
If you meet these criteria, you can proceed to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.
What makes UAV operations commercial?
If you answer Yes to any one of the following, your operation is considered commercial:
- Are you planning to use the images collected to make a farm management decision?
- Will you deduct the cost of your UAV as a farm expense?
- Will you be compensated in any form for the images collected?
It does not matter if you are flying over your own farm or property. If you answer Yes to any of the questions above, the intended use is considered a commercial operation.
FAA UAV Certification Procedures
If you have a manned aircraft pilot certificate
For farmers or others who already have a pilot certificate issued under 14 Part 61 (manned aircraft) and have completed a flight review within the last 24 months, a remote pilot certificate can be easily obtained by taking the following steps:
- Complete a free online course, ALC-151 Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent - Part 61 Pilots, found on the FAA Safety Team website.
- Complete FAA Form 8710-13, Remote Pilot Certificate and/or Rating Application found on the FAA Forms web page.
- Have the form signed by an authorized FAA Flight Instructor.
If you do not have a manned aircraft pilot certificate
If you do not currently have a pilot’s license for a manned aircraft, you will need to complete the following steps to get a remote pilot certificate:
- You must take and pass the Unmanned Aircraft General Knowledge Exam. This exam will focus on the following topics:
- Regulations
- Airspace classification and operating requirements
- Weather/weather depiction chart
- Sectional charts
- Loading and performance (balance, stability and effects of loading, and performance)
- Operations (airport and emergency procedures, Aeronautical Decision Making, and related subjects)
A study guide and other materials to help you prepare for the exam are available from the FAA: Remote Pilot—Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide.
- In addition, there are many commercial resources available, such as books, online classes, and study materials. Some community colleges have developed and offer UAV training classes. Before taking the exam, you must apply for a remote airman certificate. This can be done by mail or online through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (ICARA) website. Application for the remote airman certificate will also start the screening process through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You do not need to take any action during this screening unless requested by TSA. You must pass the screening to be awarded the remote airman certificate.
- When you are ready, you can take the exam at an approved exam center (there are multiple locations around North Carolina).
- If your application is processed successfully, you will receive a temporary remote airman certificate by email. The permanent certificate will be mailed to you, typically within four to six weeks. If you do not receive your permanent certificate within six weeks or after the expiration of your temporary certificate, you can request an extension of your temporary remote airman certificate.
- Your remote airman certificate does not expire. However, to operate a UAV commercially, you must keep the certificate current every two years by completing the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677) online training course. There is currently no cost for this course but you must create an account with FAASafety.gov to access it.
North Carolina UAV License Procedure
As of December 1, 2024, North Carolina no longer requires that commercial or government operators obtain a North Carolina UAV Operator permit.
Putting the UAV to Work—Best Management Practices
- Practice with your UAV before you start collecting critical data.
- Keep a log of all flights. This will help you plan maintenance, keep up with battery life, and provide documentation that will be helpful later. Flight time, operating hours, equipment malfunction, and batteries used are just a few of the information items that the flight log must include. The FAA has a flight log template for organizations that operate with a Certificate of Authorization (COA) that can be used as a guide.
- Keep a log of weather information for your flight location. Wind, temperature, and UV index are all factors that can impact UAV performance as well as the quality of data collected from the flight.
- Establish a maintenance schedule and use it to keep your UAV in optimum shape. A regular (every flight) visual check of propellers, batteries, motors, controls, and the UAV frame must be a part of preventive maintenance.
- Be aware of where you are flying. Know what, if any, airspace restrictions may apply. Know who may be operating around you. While not required for UAV pilots, filing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will let others know where you are flying as well as give you access to information from other aircraft operations in your area. A NOTAM can be filed online at Flight Service.
- Launch and retrieve only from sites where you have permission to operate.
- Always maintain a line of sight with your UAV unless you have a waiver for flights beyond visual line of sight.
- Check to see if there are any state or local regulations on UAV flights.
- Consider obtaining liability insurance to cover your flight operations.
Figure 2. Fixed wing (vertical takeoff and landing) UAV ready for launch.
References
US Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. 2023. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed July 2025.
US Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. 2024. Become a Certificated Remote Pilot. Accessed July 2025.
US Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. n.d. FAA Safety Team: Safer Skies through Education. Accessed July 2025.
North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation. 2024 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program. Accessed July 2025.
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Professor Emeritus
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Publication date: Aug. 15, 2025
AG-839
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