Please contact the UAV Administrator at the email listed above if you have questions not answered in the following list. The terms sUAS (small unmanned Aerial Systems), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), and “drone” may be used interchangeably to refer to any unmanned aerial vehicle flight system or flight hardware.
What is the process to obtain approval to fly a drone on campus?
Complete and submit an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Application and a separate application for the UAS registration.
Complete and submit a SIU UAS Use Checklist.
The University will take steps to obtain an FAA registration for your aircraft if it is University owned.
Once all forms have been approved, you will be notified that you are able to conduct your UAS project.
Follow the University UAS Operating Standards when conducting your flights.
Adhere to all FAA regulations related to your UAS operation.
I already have approval to conduct a project using a UAS. I have an opportunity to do another, unrelated, project. Do I need to submit a separate application?
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.
Can I go ahead and purchase my drone while I’m waiting for the review of my application?
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.
What aircraft are approved for use on university projects?
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.
Can I use my personal drone for my class or research?
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.
Can I fly a drone in my classroom or in a building on campus?
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.
Do I have to abide by FAA restrictions when flying a drone indoors?
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.
All I want to do is to use a small drone in my class as a demonstration. FAA regulations don’t apply. Why do I have to go through the campus registration and approval process?
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.
Why can’t I be the drone pilot for my project?
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.
I can fly my personal drone without a pilot’s license. So why can’t I just use my personal drone for my project?
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.
My students want to build a drone for a class project – what do I need to know?
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.
I am taking a drone with me to conduct field work for my research – what do I need to know?
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.
I want to use my University-registered and approved drone in a demonstration of how drones can be used to manage natural resources. The location will be in Oklahoma. Do I need to do anything before I start my project?
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.
I want to take my University-owned and registered drone to South America to use in my research activities. What do I need to do before I leave?
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.
Should I register my university drone through the FAA online portal?
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.
Where can I get more information about drone use on campus?
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.
Where can I legally and safely fly my personnel drone?
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/.
Carbondale Campus FAQs
FAA Status Update – at the time of publication of this FAQ, the University has chosen to utilize the FAA UAS Rules Part 107 which took effect August 29, 2016. However, the University must apply for a waiver in order to operate drones on the Carbondale campus, due to the proximity to the Southern Illinois Airport.
Can I fly a drone on the Carbondale campus?
At this time, you cannot fly a drone on the Carbondale campus. The primary reasons for this restriction. Is that the entire campus (and most of the City of Carbondale) can be considered to be within the controlled airspace of the Southern Illinois Airport and the heliport at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. FAA regulations prohibit drone flights in restricted airspace without first obtaining the appropriate waivers from the FAA.
I am a student and I want to fly my drone for fun. Why can’t I fly it on campus?
The entire Carbondale campus is located within restricted airspace. Further, the University has determined that, in order to protect persons and property and the privacy of individuals, it is necessary that drone use on campus be generally prohibited, and subject to an approval process. The approval process is designed to facilitate University-related drone use for research and teaching purposes. If you were to fly your personal drone on campus, you would be violating FAA regulations and you would assume the responsibility for any liability resulting from the use of the drone.
What is the responsible office for drone operations on the Carbondale campus?
UAS operations and the internal application process are administered by the UAV Administrator and the UAV Coordinator at:
Facilities & Energy Management, #0014 / Service Building 1 210 Physical Plant Drive 453.6793