UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As drones become increasingly popular for both professional and recreational purposes, Penn State is reminding all drone operators of the federal regulations and University policies that regulate how, when and where these vehicles can be flown.
Flights allowed for University purposes only
Currently, only flights for official University purposes are allowed on Penn State property. Hobbyists and recreational drones are NOT allowed on Penn State property.
University purposes include the use of drones related to research and work undertaken by faculty and staff, as well as third parties contracted by the University, such as a photographer hired to collect aerial footage using a drone. All pilots seeking to use a drone for University purposes must submit a request to fly and go through a registration and training process as detailed below.
Drones flown on campus must either be owned and insured by the University, or owned, operated, and insured by a third party approved to fly for official University purposes. If a Penn State employee wishes to purchase a drone with University funds with the intent to pilot it for University-affiliated activities, the request must be sent to the drone operations team in the Office for Research Protections, at orp-drones@psu.edu or 814-865-1775.
Drone registration
Any drone being flown outdoors on University property or for a University-affiliated activity must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All University-owned drones, regardless of whether they are being flown indoors or outdoors, must be on the University’s insurance schedule, and drones operated by third parties must meet Penn State’s insurance requirements.
Training and standardization flight checks
All pilots are required to complete four online training modules through Canvas before going through a qualification flight check in the field with one of the program’s standardization pilots. The purpose of standardization flight checks is to ensure all pilots can demonstrate hands-on safety techniques while operating their vehicle. Pilots may also be required to hold a Small Unmanned Aircraft System Part 107 Certification.
Request to fly
The University uses an electronic management system to process flight requests, which also serves as a repository for pilot credentials, vehicle registrations and the overall details of a flight request. Jenn Stewart, drone operations manager, noted that some areas of Penn State property fall within controlled airspace, such as near the University Park Airport. For flights that are proposed within controlled airspace, Stewart said extra steps are required to obtain airspace authorization.
Penn State also enforces additional restrictions on flights in crowded areas, during athletic events and other scenarios with additional safety risks. Pilots must follow FAA rules, as well as University Policy SY45 Use of Drones. Stewart notes that “In addition to University policy, we have a number of standard-operating procedures, all of which exist because safety is always our number one goal.”
Remote ID
Remote ID is a new rule that will be enforced by the FAA beginning September 16. If you have an active flight request and/or will be submitting one in the near future, please contact the drone operations team to learn about the options to comply with Remote ID.
For any additional questions, members of the Penn State community should contact the drone operations team at orp-drones@psu.edu or at 814-865-1775.