Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) Guidelines

Drone flying

University of Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Guidelines

1.0 UAS Guideline Statement. The operation of UAS is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and state law.  Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø is establishing procedures to insure that the operation of UAS  by Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø personnel or above Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø property complies with those regulations and is done in a manner that reduces risks to safety and privacy.

1.1 Scope

        The procedures adopted pursuant to this policy apply,

1.1.1  To any Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø employee or student operating a UAS in any location as part of a Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø activity.

1.1.2  To any person operating a UAS above Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø property not as part of a school activity.

1.1.3  To the purchase of a UAS, or the contracting for any UAS services, with funding through a Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø unit.

1.2 Definitions

1.2.1  333 Exemption. An exemption from FAA general requirements available for commercial operation.
1.2.2  Commercial operation. Operation in furtherance of a business or incidental to a person’s business.
1.2.3  Public operation. Operation such as for national defense, intelligence missions, firefighting, search and rescue, law enforcement, research, biological or environmental l resource management.
1.2.4  Recreational operation. Operation for relaxation, hobbyor diversion, including as a component of a science, technology or aviation curricula or other coursework such as television or film production or the arts.

1.2.5  Section 107 operation. Commercial operation that meets the requirements of Sec. 107 of the FAA regulations, which require:

  • Pilots with remote pilot airmen certificates.    
  • Weight less than 55 lbs., speed less than 100mph and altitude less than 400ft.,
  • Daytime flight within the line of sight,
  • No flights in covered structures or over people in the open, and Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø property. Buildings and grounds owned or leased by Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø.  

1.2.6 UAS.  Any unmanned aircraft systems subject to FAA regulation.

1.3 Procedures

1.3.1 Any Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Employee or Student—Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Activity

1.3.1.1 Commercial operation. In general any Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø employee or student seeking to operate a UAS as part of a Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø activity will be considered to be conducting commercial operations and must first obtain a 333 Exemption issued by the FAA. The Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Police Department (PD) will process all applications for the foregoing.

If such employee or student is seeking to conduct a commercial operation that qualifies as a Sec. 107 operation, no 333 exemption is required. Any such employee or student must first obtain permission from the Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Police Department, which must be provided with evidence of compliance with FAA requirements.

1.3.1.2 Recreational operation.  A Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø student seeking to operate a UAS as part of course work may be considered to be conducting recreational operations. Such student need not obtain a 333 Exemption but must first obtain permission from the Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø PD.

1.3.1.3 Any Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø employee or student seeking to operate a UAS as part of a Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø activity must comply with the laws of the state in which the activity is to occur.

1.3.1.4 Any Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø employee or student seeking to purchase a UAS, or contract for UAS services, with Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø funds must first contact Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø PD for an assessment of Ò×ʤ²©¹Ù꿉۪s ability to comply with FAA requirements.

1.3.2 Any Person—Not A Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Activity—Above Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Property

1.3.2.1 Any person seeking to operate a UAS not as part of a Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø activity but above Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø property, for public, commercial (whether or not Sec 107 operation) or recreational operation, must first obtain permission from Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø PD, which must be provided with evidence of compliance with FAA regulations and Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø laws.

1.3.2.2 In addition, any such person must limit the operation of the UAS to the following areas: Boulder Field, Kingman Farm, or Moore Fields.

1.3.3 Any Above-Described Person

1.3.3.1 No person operating a UAS capable of taking images shall take images in areas, or of information, in which there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.                                                              

1.3.3.2 No person shall use a UAS to conduct surveillance of any other person or group of persons.  

1.4 Sanctions

Any violation of this policy or these procedures will be subject to legal or disciplinary action in accordance with Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø policies and procedures.

For further information regarding UAS visit the .