If you’re one of the lucky people who got a drone as a holiday gift, don’t strap on your flying goggles just yet.
UF has implemented interim procedures for the use of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, aimed at protecting the safety of those on our campus as well as aircraft flying over or near campus.
In short, any UF employee or student who wants to operate a drone as part of their university employment or a university program must first receive a Certificate or Waiver of Authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration. More information is available at the Research Compliance website: research.ufl.edu/faculty-and-staff/research-compliance/federal-aviation-administration-faa-requirement.html.
Any third party or hobbyist who wants to use a drone or model aircraft over university property must receive approval through UF’s Environmental Health and Safety office and provide proof of FAA approval. Third parties and hobbyists also must be under a contract that holds the university harmless from any claims of harm to people or damage to university property and provides insurance as required by UF Environmental Health and Safety. For more information, call Environmental Health and Safety at 352-392-1591.
Anyone who wants to operate a drone to record or transmit photos or videos must take all reasonable measure to avoid areas normally considered private.
Finally, any use of a drone must comply with FAA regulations governing use within five miles of an airport or two miles of a heliport. UF’s main campus is within both. That generally excludes drone flights on the UF campus without specific FAA approval.
Full details are available online at ehs.ufl.edu/programs/rm/uas_procedures.
Curtis Reynolds
UF Vice President for Business Affairs
