Handbook of Operating Procedures 8-1070
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Effective October 17, 2016
Executive Sponsor: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Policy Owner: Associate Vice President for Campus Safety and Security
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Austin ("University") to provide a safe educational, living, and working environment for its students, employees, affiliates and visitors. The University recognizes the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ("UAV") on University property may threaten the privacy and safety of the University community, disturb the educational goals of the University, and/or interfere with the University community's reasonable use and enjoyment of the air above its property. The University prohibits the use of UAV on University property and off campus when conducting university-sponsored activities, except as required by law or pursuant to the authorization process provided by this policy. Any approved use of UAV on University property or off campus must be in compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for such use.
To provide administrative roles, responsibilities, and procedures for the use of UAV on University property and off campus when UAV are to be operated as part of University-sponsored activities.
This policy applies to all employees, students, visitors, University affiliates, and any other individual or entity, including but not limited to filmmakers who wish to use UAV on University property or while conducting University-sponsored activities off campus. This policy is not intended to provide approval for filming, video or photography on University property, or procurement of UAV services. Approval for these activities, associated with use of UAV, must be obtained prior to any request for use of UAV on University property.
Unmanned Aircraft System ("UAS"):
An unmanned aerial vehicle and its associated elements that are required for the safe and efficient operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle in the national airspace system. Such elements may include control stations (ground, ship, or air-based), control links, support equipment, payloads, flight termination systems, and launch/recovery equipment.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ("UAV"):
An aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. This includes, but is not limited to, quad-copters; remote controlled planes; and devices commonly referred to as "drones".
University Property:
All real property owned by the University, including the air above the property necessary for the reasonable use and enjoyment of the land.
https://secure4.compliancebridge.com/utexas/public/getdoc.ph?file=8-1070
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Campus Safety and Security |
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The UAVRG may also seek input from departments affected by the use of the UAV. UAVRG may propose an alternative time, location, or any other change in the best interest of the University.
The insurance requirements associated with use of UAV on University property and off-campus will be determined by University Risk Management, in consultation with UT System Risk Management.
All University owned or acquired UAV must be properly registered in accordance with FAA requirements. See Section VIII, Forms and Tools, for registration information and requirements.
Prior notice and authorization is preferred, but not required, for use of UAV on University property by emergency personnel acting under the authority of applicable law.
A University employee who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. A student who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. A visitor or other third party who uses UAV on University property in violation of this policy is considered trespassing and will be subject to actions the University has available including removal from campus, arrest, prosecution, and/or other legal action.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Request Form (UT Property)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Request Form (non-UT Property)
Registration Information and Requirements
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Home Page
None
Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA)
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Registration
Federal Aviation Administration - Exemption to Exemption under Section 44807
Origination date: October 17, 2016
Editorial changes made: August 10,2021