US Tiny Whoop Rules Checklist: TRUST, Sub-250g Registration, Spotter & Indoor VTX
Not legal advice. US recreational tiny-whoop (65–85mm) checklist only — not a lawyer, not counsel. Rules change; verify on faa.gov recreational flyers and FCC sources before you fly.
Short version: most recreational whoops still need TRUST. Weigh ready-to-fly — at or under 0.55 lb / 250 g on takeoff usually skips registration (and the Remote ID trigger that follows). Outdoor FPV needs VLOS or a co-located spotter. Under 250 g is not a free pass.
Quick checklist
- Outdoor recreational → pass TRUST; carry proof
- Weigh the whoop ready-to-fly with pack (everything attached)
- ≤0.55 lb recreational-only → registration exception (14 CFR § 48.15(b)); still TRUST / VLOS / airspace / don’t endanger the NAS
- Over that line → register, mark, follow Remote ID as applicable
- Outdoor FPV in goggles → co-located visual observer
- Outdoor airspace → B4UFLY / where you can fly
- Indoor fully enclosed → property permission; the indoor / NAS line is soft — verify yourself
- Paid work → Part 107 / Remote Pilot Certificate
- Check local / venue rules
TRUST
Required for the recreational exception (49 U.S.C. § 44809). The test is free online; carry your certificate. FAA FAQ: no minimum age. Take TRUST · Recreational flyers
Weigh at takeoff: registration & Remote ID
Weigh ready-to-fly with the pack on. § 48.15(b) excepts aircraft operated exclusively under 44809 that weigh 0.55 pounds or less on takeoff, including everything on board or attached. FAA consumer pages: register if 250 g (0.55 lbs) or more. See 14 CFR § 48.15 and register a drone. Sanity-check a build’s weight in the calculator before you order.
Remote ID is required when the aircraft is required to register, or is already registered (unless you are in a FRIA). Under 250 g is still not a free pass on TRUST, VLOS, or airspace. Remote ID · FRIA
Outdoor FPV + co-located visual observer
Visual line of sight of the operator, or a co-located visual observer in direct communication. AC 91-57D: a VO is necessary when FPV limits scanning; co-located means without technological assistance. Read AC 91-57D (PDF).
Indoor whoops
This page does not claim “indoor = no TRUST.” The FAA indoor FAQ says Part 107 would not apply to operations conducted indoors only, and that FAA rules apply outdoors in the National Airspace System. Property permission still matters. A garage with the door up, or a room with an open window, can be outdoor. Verify that line yourself.
VTX / RF
The amateur path is Part 97; Part 15 is for certified gear only. This page does not claim that 25 mW is always legal. Indoor low power is good-neighbor practice, not an automatic free pass.