D-2 Unmanned Aircraft Systems

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and safety of University students, employees, patients, and campus visitors and to ensure compliance with Commonwealth of Kentucky laws, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements laws and University policies and procedures.

II. Definitions 

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): any unmanned (uncrewed) aerial vehicle or drone operated from a distance of more than one foot via tether or remote control or autonomous control, including but not limited to fixed wing and rotorcraft platforms.
• Operator: any faculty, staff, student, visitor, contractor, agency, production house, business, club organization or other individual using or piloting a UAS.

III. Responsibilities

1. Administration of this policy is coordinated through the Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration with support from the Office of University Events.
2. The Office of University Events utilizes The Event Management System to approve requests for using UAS on University property or for University business.

IV. Policy

1. This policy applies to Operators of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for research, education, demonstrations, communications, recreation, and all other purposes while on University owned, operated, or controlled property.
2. The University will comply with FAA requirements, state law, and any other locally applicable laws or regulations regarding UAS.
3. UAS operators must meet requirements for small, unmanned aircraft in the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 107). For complex operations, higher education institutions and other public entities may operate UAS for the purposes of aeronautical research upon receipt of a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (“COA”) from the FAA.
4. UAS shall only be used for institutional purposes compliant with the University mission of teaching, research, and service.
5. Hobbyist or recreational use of UAS is prohibited on all University owned, operated, or controlled property. The University will comply with FAA requirements, state law, and any other locally applicable laws or regulations regarding UAS.
6. Commercial use of UAS (including non-University entities interested in operating UAS on campus property) is not permitted unless there is approval from the University, the UAS has been registered with the FAA, the operator has provided evidence of FAA approval to fly within the designated airspace where required, and the operator meets the requirements for small unmanned aircraft in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 107) or other FAA authorization.
7. UAS shall not be used in such a way as to create a hazard to University owned, operated, or controlled property, the University community, or the public. UAS shall not be operated in a way that disrupts instruction or unduly affects the environment of people in or passing through a common space or residential space, working or studying within a building, or entering, exiting or otherwise making their way about a facility.
8. UAS shall not be operated directly above open air events or above thoroughfares, including but not limited to roadways, sidewalks, bike paths and pedestrian paths.
9. Use of UAS at Kroger Field during events listed in FAA FDC 4/3621 is prohibited.
10. Failure to comply with this policy may result in referral to campus, local, state, or federal law enforcement for citation and prosecution consistent with applicable laws.

V. Procedures

To use UAS on University property, the operator shall apply for permission through the University of Kentucky Office of University Events using the Event Management System at least seven (7) days prior to operation. Depending on the nature of the UAS use on all University of Kentucky owned, operated or controlled property. The Office of University Events will work with the appropriate University department(s) for approval. Included in all third-party usage requirements will be proof of general liability insurance with a $2,000,000 per occurrence limit and “The University of Kentucky, its Trustees and employees” must be added as an additional insured.

VI. Additional Information on UAS usage:

FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations & Policies

FAA Frequently Asked Questions – Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)