Definition
A membership-based association, recognized by the FAA, that represents the interests of recreational model aircraft operators in the United States. A CBO develops and publishes safety guidelines for the operation of unmanned aircraft flown for recreational purposes, and recreational drone pilots may operate under the safety programming of an FAA-recognized CBO as one of the legal pathways for recreational flight.
Plain English
A national club for hobby drone and model aircraft flyers. The FAA officially recognizes certain clubs and lets their members follow the club's safety rules when flying for fun.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA material about recreational drone and model aircraft operations.
Why Pilots Care
Flying a drone recreationally under the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized CBO is one of the few legal ways to operate without falling under the stricter Part 107 commercial drone rules. Knowing whether you are flying under a CBO's program or another rule set determines which safety requirements apply to you.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a CBO is just any local club or community group. In this FAA context, it means a group the FAA recognizes for recreational model aircraft or drone safety guidance.
Example Sentence 1
He flies his model aircraft at the local field under the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized CBO.
Example Sentence 2
FAA funding supported the CBO's program that introduces high school students to aviation careers.