Drone Policies and Guidance

SDSU Policies & Resources

Researchers planning to use a drone or other unmanned aircraft system (UAS) must obtain approval before beginning their project. All faculty, staff, and students conducting drone-related research at SDSU or using SDSURF funds must submit a separate application for each project through InfoReady for review by the FAA Drone Committee.

For the purposes of this policy, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also referred to as drones, are defined as any unmanned aircraft operated by remote control or guided by a pre-programmed onboard computer.

Examples of UAS or drones include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs), Unmanned Aircraft (UA), Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), and remote-controlled helicopters, including quadcopters, hexacopters, octocopters, and similar aircraft.

A UAS includes both the unmanned aircraft and its associated elements, including communication links, control systems, and other components required for the pilot in command to operate the aircraft safely and efficiently.

Use of a UAV or drone in research requires compliance with FAA regulations, SDSU policy and all other applicable local and state regulations.
The FAA Drone Committee will review all proposed and current usage of a UAV or drone in research to determine whether the use complies with FAA regulations.
Use of a UAV or drone on campus requires prior approval from University Police.
The unauthorized operation of a drone or UAV may subject the operator to federal penalties.
Use of a UAV or drone in research must be covered under an applicable insurance policy.

All faculty and staff using UAVs or drones in research are required to submit a completed application to the FAA drone committee.
All applications to the FAA Drone Committee must be submitted using the InfoReady system.
A new application must be submitted per project using UAV or drones.
The FAA Drone Committee will review applications to evaluate whether a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) is required from the FAA, and will advise on other potential regulatory issues.
The FAA Drone Committee will only review applications related to drone use in research activities. The FAA Drone Committee will not review applications for drone use in educational activities, such as class projects or club activities, or for marketing purposes.