Complete Guidelines
For Thai tourists who wish to fly drones in the United States.
The United States has a highly strict and systematic airspace control and aviation law enforcement system. Using a drone from Thailand in the US, whether for tourism photography or personal use, must strictly comply with the regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This guideline is designed for Thai tourists who wish to fly drones for tourism purposes, not commercially. It covers everything from Remote ID registration and TRUST testing to airspace checks and risk management before and during the trip.
Regulatory agencies in the United States.
Unlike Thailand, where responsibilities are divided between CAAT for aviation and NBTC for frequency allocation, the United States controls drones under a single agency.
Federal Aviation Administration FAA
There is no separate radio licensing system for general drone users. Regulation regarding flight, registration, and Remote ID is directly under the FAA.
Types of flights for Thai tourists.
Thai tourists flying for photography, tourism, or personal use will be categorized as Recreational Flyers under Act 49 USC §44809.
Main requirements
Drones weighing 250 grams or more must be registered with the FAA, pass a Trust Test before flight, comply with Remote ID requirements, fly no higher than 400 feet from the ground, maintain a constant visual line of sight, give way to manned aircraft, and must not fly in prohibited or controlled areas without permission.
What is a Trust Test?
And what preparations are needed?
TRUST stands for The Recreational UAS Safety Test. It's a safety knowledge test for recreational drone pilots in the United States, based on FAA requirements.
Those who need to fulfill TRUST.
Anyone in the United States who flies drones for tourism or personal use, whether a U.S. citizen or a foreign national, and who is not using them for commercial purposes, must complete a TRUST verification before flying.
Characteristics of TRUST
This is a free online test administered by an organization authorized by the FAA as a Test Administrator. It is not a competitive exam and there is no minimum numerical passing score.
Exam format
This is a training and test format. The system will first guide you through each topic, then you will answer questions. If you answer incorrectly, the system will not allow you to pass. You must read the explanation and answer again until you get it right to pass.
Documents received after approval.
Upon successful completion, you will receive a TRUST Completion Certificate as a PDF file. This certificate must be carried with you while flying, either in digital or printed format, and must be shown to customs officials upon request. The certificate does not expire unless the FAA changes its policy in the future.
Topics within TRUST.
The content in TRUST covers fundamental aviation safety knowledge for recreational users, focusing on practical understanding necessary for legal flying and reducing risks in U.S. airspace.
• Basic safety principles
Maintaining a clear line of sight means keeping a direct eye contact with the drone at all times.
Flight altitude not exceeding 400 feet AGL.
Always give way to manned aircraft.
Do not fly over crowds or moving vehicles.
• Airspace structures in the United States.
The difference between Class BCDE and G.
The meaning of Controlled Airspace and Uncontrolled Airspace.
Restrictions apply only in areas near the airport.
Basic concepts of Airspace Authorization.
• FAA tools for recreational pilots.
Use the FAA B4UFLY app to check the area before flying.
Understanding the LAANC system when requiring permission from a controlled area.
Checking NOTAMs and Temporary Flight Restrictions.
• Significant space limitations.
Flying is strictly prohibited in National Parks.
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) areas include locations such as large events, disaster zones, or security zones.
Restrictions surrounding the airport and critical infrastructure.
• Remote ID and registration
When do I need to register with the FAA?
The concept of Standard Remote ID and Broadcast Module.
The responsibility of the supervisor in complying with Remote Identification requirements.
• Privacy and liability
Respecting individual rights.
Avoiding recording footage that could lead to complaints.
The concept of civil liability in the event of damage.
• Emergency management
How to cope when you lose signal.
Steps to take when control is lost.
Safe emergency landing.
Risk assessment before and during flight.
While TRUST is not an advanced technical exam, its content covers key issues related to proper compliance with FAA regulations . Those taking TRUST must demonstrate an understanding of all fundamental safety principles before being awarded the Completion Certificate , a minimum requirement for all recreational pilots in the United States.
Things that TRUST doesn't cover.
It doesn't delve into meteorology, doesn't require METAR or TAF exams, isn't a commercial license, and isn't Part 107. Thai tourists flying for general tourism purposes only need to apply for a TRUST license.
Registering drones with the FAA.
If a drone weighs more than 250 grams, it must be registered through the FAA DroneZone system. The fee is approximately US$5 for a period of 3 years, or about 180 to 200 baht.
Registered users will receive a unique registration number, which must be clearly displayed on the drone. Even drones weighing less than 250 grams do not require registration, but must still complete TRUST verification and comply with Remote ID regulations if applicable.
What is Remote ID?
And what impact will this have on drones from Thailand?
Remote ID is a system for transmitting real-time drone identification data, such as drone number, location, and operator information. The United States fully mandates Remote ID.
New DJI drones sold in Thailand, such as the Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, and Neo 2, typically have a Standard Remote ID pre-installed. CE-certified versions of these drones sold in Thailand are permitted for use in the United States, where the FAA primarily considers compliance with Remote ID regulations and flight requirements.
In the case of a drone without a Remote ID.
A broadcast module approved by the FAA must be installed; otherwise, it cannot be legally flown. A practical recommendation is to use only newer drone models with a Standard Remote ID.
Airspace monitoring
Before every flight, you must check the airspace using the FAA B4UFLY app and the LAANC system for obtaining Controlled Airspace permission.
Flying is strictly prohibited in National Parks. Permission must be obtained through LAANC (Airport Air Traffic Control) in areas near airports. Some areas have temporary flight restrictions. Large cities with complex airspace structures, such as New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, have fines that can be thousands of dollars, and enforcement is strict.
Guidelines for advance preparation.
For Thai tourists.
4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Check if your drone model has a Standard Remote ID, update the firmware, and familiarize yourself with FAA regulations.
1 week before departure
Check airline requirements regarding lithium batteries, install an airspace monitoring app, and familiarize yourself with the area you will be flying in.
Upon arrival in the United States.
Always check the area before flying. Avoid National Parks and Controlled Airspace if permission is not granted.
Insurance and Liability
While U.S. law doesn't mandate insurance for all recreational activities, civil liability in the U.S. is very high, so coverage for third-party liability should always be included.
The role of DTTC for Thai tourists.
While TRUST can be easily done online, the real risk lies in interpreting airspace and geographical restrictions.
DTTC assists with systemic preparedness, such as checking Remote ID readiness, FAA registration guidelines, professional airspace map reading, controlling airspace analysis around tourist cities, simulating flight scenarios in the US, and guidelines for the proper transportation of lithium batteries.
Preparing in advance helps reduce legal risks, increases confidence, and prevents potentially costly mistakes.
Summary for Thai tourists.
Operating drones in the United States is not just about technical flight procedures; it's about fully complying with FAA aviation regulations. Operators must complete a TRUST agreement before flight, register when eligible, use a required Remote ID, and inspect airspace before every flight.
Although the basic procedures may seem straightforward, the U.S. airspace system is complex, and law enforcement is rigorous. A lack of understanding of Controlled Airspace (TFR) or space restrictions can lead to hefty fines, equipment seizure, or legal liability.
Thai tourists should therefore view preparation as a risk management process, not just as fulfilling minimum requirements. Understanding airspace structures, assessing flight areas, and planning ahead are factors that ensure safe and confident international travel.
DTTC serves as a training institution that provides systematic pre-departure preparation, covering FAA laws, airspace map reading, Remote ID verification, and practical guidelines. This ensures Thai tourists can fly to the United States legally, safely, and with reduced risks in all aspects.