Club Requirements

Club & Regulatory Requirements

What You Need to Fly at Lake Sawyer Hawks

To fly at our field and maintain active membership, pilots must follow current AMA and FAA rules for recreational model aircraft. These requirements keep our site safe, legal, and open for everyone.

Club Requirement

Active AMA

All pilots must maintain current AMA membership.

FAA Rule

Remote ID / FRIA

Comply with Remote ID or fly at an approved FRIA site.

Recommended

TRUST Test

Free FAA safety course for all recreational flyers.

Quick Checklist Before You Fly

Do these three things and you’re ready to join us on the flightline.

Join the AMA

Maintain active Academy of Model Aeronautics membership. This provides liability insurance, supports our FRIA field status, and helps protect the hobby nationwide.

Meet FAA Requirements

Register with the FAA and comply with Remote ID rules, or fly at our FRIA field where Remote ID equipment is not required.

Complete the TRUST Test

Take the free TRUST online safety course (recommended for all recreational pilots) and keep your completion certificate with you when you fly.

Details for Each Requirement

The following sections explain how the AMA, FAA Remote ID, and TRUST fit together for Lake Sawyer Hawks members and visitors.

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is the national organization for model aviation in the U.S. Recognized by the FAA as a Community-Based Organization (CBO), AMA promotes safety, education, and protects flying sites like ours.

Benefits of AMA Membership

Liability insurance – Up to $2.5M in coverage for members while flying, including landowners.
Access to FRIA fields – AMA membership is required at most FAA-approved FRIA club fields.
National advocacy – AMA works with the FAA to protect recreational flying.
Education & community – Magazine, online resources, youth programs, and thousands of clubs.
Events & perks – Competitions, fly-ins, scholarships, and member discounts.

Learn more or join the AMA →

FAA Remote ID & Registration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created Remote ID as a digital “license plate” for unmanned aircraft. It allows authorities to identify and track aircraft in flight to improve safety and accountability.

Key Points for Recreational Flyers

Remote ID is required for most outdoor model flying in the U.S.
FRIA fields are exempt – at FAA-recognized FRIA sites, Remote ID broadcast is not required.
Two compliance options – aircraft with built-in Remote ID or an external broadcast module.
FAA registration – your aircraft and Remote ID details are linked to your FAA registration number.
Enforcement began in 2024 with a focus on education and safe integration into the airspace.

When you fly at an approved FRIA like our club field, Remote ID equipment is not required, but FAA registration still applies.

Learn more about FAA Remote ID →

FAA TRUST Safety Test

The TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) is a free, online safety course required by the FAA for recreational drone and model aircraft pilots. It covers basic rules, airspace awareness, and safe flying practices.

Who Needs TRUST?

All recreational flyers – anyone flying for fun must complete TRUST.
One-time course – there is no expiration; you only need to take it once.
Instant certificate – print or save your completion certificate and carry it when flying.
No failing – questions are educational; incorrect answers are explained so you learn.
Offered by AMA – takes about 15–30 minutes and is completely free.

Take the AMA TRUST Test →

All set with AMA, FAA, and TRUST?

Once you’ve met these requirements, you’re ready to join or renew with Lake Sawyer Hawks and enjoy flying at our field.

Apply / Renew Club Membership

Lake Sawyer Hawks

Lake Sawyer HAWKS

LSH, AMA, and FAA requirements to fly RC aircraft at our field