Our sources

The primary references our guides are built on, grouped by topic and linked directly.

We cite the body that actually sets the rule rather than secondary coverage of it. If a page on this site makes a claim you cannot trace to one of the sources below, tell us and we will fix it — see our editorial policy.

Registration

Who must register, what it costs, how long it lasts, and how to mark the aircraft.

FAA — Register your droneOfficial registration entry point and the $5 government fee.FAA DroneZoneThe FAA's official registration portal.14 CFR Part 48 — Registration and marking of small unmanned aircraftThe regulation behind the 0.55 lb threshold, 3-year term, and exterior marking.14 CFR Part 47 — Aircraft registrationTraditional aircraft registration, relevant to some non-Part 48 filings.

Recreational flying

The exception for limited recreational operations and the TRUST test.

49 U.S.C. § 44809 — Exception for limited recreational operationsThe statute that defines recreational flying and its conditions.FAA — The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)Test requirement, approved administrators, and certificate rules.

Where you can fly

Airspace, authorizations, and location-specific restrictions.

FAA — Airspace restrictions and UAS data delivery (LAANC)Controlled-airspace authorization and approved LAANC suppliers.FAA — B4UFLY and UAS Facility MapsAuthoritative maps for altitude ceilings and restricted areas.FAA — Special Security Instructions and TFRsStadium restrictions, national security areas, and temporary flight restrictions.National Park Service — Policy Memorandum 14-05The basis for the ban on launching, landing, or operating in national parks.

Remote ID

Broadcast requirements, compliance dates, and broadcast module rules.

14 CFR Part 89 — Remote identification of unmanned aircraftThe regulation itself, including standard Remote ID and broadcast modules.FAA — Remote IDPlain-language FAA guidance and the declaration of compliance list.

Part 107 and commercial flying

Certification, operating limitations, and waivers.

14 CFR Part 107 — Small unmanned aircraft systemsOperating rules, night and over-people provisions, and waiver authority.FAA — Become a certificated remote pilotEligibility, the knowledge test, and IACRA application steps.

Rulemaking in progress

Proposed rules, comment dockets, and review status.

Federal Register — FAA documentsWhere NPRMs and final rules, including BVLOS/Part 108, are published.Regulations.gov — FAA docketsComment records and supporting analyses for open rulemakings.OIRA — Regulatory review dashboardTracks rules under White House review before publication.

Manufacturers, equipment, and the FCC

Equipment authorization and the current questions about specific brands.

FCC — Covered List of communications equipment and servicesThe list at the center of the 2026 DJI equipment-authorization situation.FCC — Equipment Authorization SearchLets you confirm whether a specific model holds an authorization.DIU — Blue UAS Cleared ListNDAA-compliant aircraft for public-safety and federal buyers.

Traveling with a drone

Airport security, lithium batteries, and international carriage.

TSA — What can I bring? DronesCarry-on and checked-baggage treatment of drones.FAA — PackSafe: lithium batteriesWatt-hour limits and how batteries must be carried.

State and local law

For state pages we cite the statute directly, plus the state legislature where no drone-specific law exists.

National Conference of State Legislatures — UAS legislationStarting point for locating enacted state drone statutes.FAA — State and local regulation of UAS fact sheetThe FAA's position on federal preemption of airspace regulation.

Links point to official government or manufacturer pages. Those pages occasionally move; if one is broken, let us know at info@drone-register.com.