General UAV FAQ | Facilities and Energy Management | SIU

1. Complete and submit an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Application and a separate application for the UAS registration.
2. Complete and submit a SIU UAS Use Checklist.
3. The University will take steps to obtain an FAA registration for your aircraft if it is University owned.
4. Once all forms have been approved, you will be notified that you are able to conduct your  UAS project.
5. Follow the University UAS Operating Standards when conducting your flights.
6. Adhere to all FAA regulations related to your UAS operation.

Applications are both project and aircraft specific. Any deviation from the project outlined in your application will likely require a new application. Contact the responsible office on your campus to discuss your situation.

Yes, you can purchase the UAS. You just cannot fly it until your project is approved. Once you’ve purchased a UAS, notify the appropriate campus office so that the aircraft can be registered with the FAA.

Any aircraft that meets the FAA definition of a small UAV can be approved. Complete a UAS Registration Form for each UAV that you intend to use.

No. In order to sanction drone flights on campus, the University has to assure that any liability resulting from the flights is appropriately managed. Drones owned by the University and used for University-related activities will be covered by University insurance. Privately owned drones cannot be covered by University insurance, regardless of the purpose of the flights.

Use of drones indoors is allowed, subject to the internal approval process. Any flights of drones that have not been approved by the University will still be prohibited. That will include flights by students in dormitories or other University owned or controlled buildings.

No. FAA regulations only apply to flights of drones outdoors. However the University has established standards for the safe use of drones – these standards must be followed for indoor use.

You can lecture about drone use and technology, but you cannot fly a drone indoors or outdoors on campus without obtaining the necessary approvals. This is to protect you and your students should an accident occur. The University cannot assume liability for injury or damage to property for drone flights that have not been approved.

You can, if you meet the FAA requirements. Currently, the FAA requires that anyone piloting a drone outdoors (the Pilot-in-Command) must be certified as a Remote Pilot. This is a relatively easy process, but does require completion of an FAA test.

The University has liability for any drone flights that are conducted on University property or for University business. The University is also required to assure that all flights meet FAA regulations. For these reasons, the University cannot allow individuals to fly drones on campus or for University business unless they are properly approved and meet the FAA and University guidelines.

The University can conduct certain activities that employ drones. One of these activities includes the research, design and testing of custom-built drones and related control and sensor systems. Any time a drone is flown, regardless of the location, appropriate safety precautions must be taken. Records must be maintained about the flights and maintenance of the drone and any accidents or incidents related to the flights.

Flights of drones indoors do not fall under FAA regulations. However, the University has established operating standards that apply to any drone and drone flight. Generally, flights indoors where the environment is controlled tend to be safer than flights outdoors. Students should be provided the University UAS Operating Standards as a guide for safe use of drones and, when appropriate, referred to FAA regulations.

Any time a drone is to be flown on campus, whether indoors or outdoors, custom-built or manufactured, the person responsible for the project (faculty or staff) must submit the proper paperwork and obtain approval from the University before flying the drone.

If you will be conducting research for a University or grant-supported project, you need to obtain approval for the drone use prior to initiating your project. Without approval, any liability for injury to others or damage to property will be your responsibility. You will need to be familiar with the University UAS Operating Standards and applicable FAA regulations.

First, be sure that your drone and project are appropriately registered and approved for use on University business.

Second, be sure that you’ve completed the checklist provided as part of the University approval process. Some of the items on the checklist include:

• Assuring that the airspace in which you are going to fly is not restricted.
• Notifying, and/or obtaining approval from, property owners and local jurisdictions.
• Reading, understanding and applying the University UAS Operating Standards to your project.

FAA’s regulations only apply to drone use within the United States. Other countries may have their own regulations and restrictions on the use of drones. Researching and understanding those regulations are your responsibility. Don’t assume that you can operate your drone with impunity in another country!

The University’s UAS Operating Standards provide a basis for safe operation of a drone in any situation.

Some UAS may fall under Export Control restrictions due to the technology that is used (both for the UAV and the sensor systems attached to it). Export Control restrictions may prohibit you from taking that technology to certain countries, or require a license to do so. Contact your responsible campus office for more information.

No. Drones purchased by the university are university property and must be registered with the university as the owner. Registration of university-owned drones will be done by the university. You’ll also need to have your drone tagged by Property Control. Please contact Facilities & Energy Management (FEM) for assistance in registering with the FAA.

There will be a UAS-dedicated website accessible via the University website. On that page, you’ll be able to access this FAQ, the University UAS Operating Standards and the University process for requesting approval for the use of drones. Links to relevant FAA and other resources will also be available.

Public areas such as parks and recreational areas might be suitable for flying a drone. However, you should always check with the authority in charge of the facility. For instance, some federal lands, forests and parks restrict drone use. Airports and restricted airspace also take precedence when evaluating possible areas in which to fly. Private land owners should always be contacted before any flights over their property. For more guidance on safe drone use, refer to the Know Before You Fly website at: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/.