You must meet both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) registration requirements prior to joining the Chollas RC Flyers.
The Requirements are as Follows:
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which includes fixed-wing or rotor aircraft (otherwise known as Drones) weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more require registration with the FAA, regardless of whether you fly recreationally or commercially, or what license you have. The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations registration costs $5, covers all drones in your inventory, and is valid for three (3) years. You must carry this registration with you when operating a UAS. You may obtain this registration online at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone
Registration is mandatory. You must register your drone whether flying under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations or Part 107. However, Part 107 Commercial Operations are not allowed at Chollas RC Flyers.
Registration alone doesn't constitute a license and a license does not confer registration. Operating an unregistered drone can lead to civil penalties up to $27,500 and potential criminal fines reaching $250,000 depending on the severity of the violation.
Each UAS must be registered and legibly display the FAA Registration Number on the exterior of each aircraft. UAS weighing less than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) do not have to be registered. However, each UAS weighing less than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must legibly display your AMA Membership Number. Join AMA here: https://www.modelaircraft.org/
Chollas RC Flyers, as an AMA sanctioned Club, does not allow Commercial Operations. All operations at Chollas RC Flyers are conducted under 49 USC 44809: Exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft.
The FAA allows UAS to be used for educational or research purposes as a component of the institution's curricula or research under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 USC 44809), depending on the institution's qualifications. This would include UAS operated by an elementary school, a secondary school, or an institution of higher education, as part of an established Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program, or an educational program that is chartered by a recognized community-based organization. However approval will be at the discretion of the Chollas RC Flyers Board subject to the applicant meeting the requirements of the FAA under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations.
As a Recreational Pilot you are also required to take and pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). This requirement applies to all UAS regardless of weight. This is a free online test. You only need to take TRUST once, and the certificate doesn't expire. You must carry this certificate with you when operating a UAS. Test information: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/knowledge_test_updates
Members must have a valid FAA registration, TRUST certificate, and Chollas RC Flyers identification before operating any aircraft. The Chollas RC Flyers identification will be provided following receipt of membership dues and application.
Because Chollas RC Flyers is a Federally Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) a Remote ID is not required. However, because this site is within the boundaries of FAA Class B Restricted Airspace, flight beyond the confines or ceiling of the FRIA without a Remote ID, and specific FAA Airspace Pre-Authorization is forbidden and may be subject to confiscation, destruction, fines, or imprisonment by the Federal authorities.