Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy (Interim)

Effective Date:
January 26, 2026
Applies To:
Classified Staff, Appointed Personnel, University Staff, Students
Responsible Unit(s):
Office of Public Safety
Responsible Unit Email(s):
publicsafety@arizona.edu
Status:
Active
Under Consideration

Purpose and Summary

The purpose of this Policy is to outline requirements for the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Model Aircraft, while supporting safety, privacy, and risk management interests. The University complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to UAS and Model Aircraft, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. 

Scope

This applies to:

  • Any person who wishes to operate UAS or model aircraft on or above University Property, including Employees, Students, Designated Campus Colleagues (DCCs), contractors, and members of the public, unless such operation is permitted by the FAA. 

This Policy does not apply to: 

  • UAS owned and operated by public safety agencies, the University of Arizona Police Department, and the Office of Public Safety in emergency situations. 

Definitions

Camera Footage means video, audio, or other data captured by cameras either in live or recorded format. 

Designated Campus Colleagues (DCCs) means affiliates, associates, volunteers, and interns who are granted DCC status by the University, who contribute their time, services, and expertise to help the University accomplish its mission of teaching, research, and service.

Employee means all University employees, including faculty, staff, graduate assistants/associates, and student workers, whether their employment is full-time, part-time, permanent, or temporary.

Model Aircraft means an unmanned aircraft that is capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere, flown within visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft, and flown only for hobby or recreational purposes.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) means unmanned aircraft that weigh less than 55 pounds, including payload, and all of the associated support equipment, including but not limited to, control station, data links, telemetry, communications, and navigation equipment necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft.  UAS may have a variety of names including, but not limited to, drones, quadcopter, and quadrotor.

Security Purposes means for purposes related to law enforcement, safety, emergency preparedness and response, or security of the university community, University Property, and/or University assets.

Student means any person enrolled in one or more credits at the University, including enrolled Employees.

Unit means any University college, school, department, program, or other operating unit.

University Property means all land, buildings, and other facilities owned, operated, leased, or controlled by the University. 

Policy

  1. Operation of UAS or Model Aircraft on University Property 

    1. Any person who wishes to operate a UAS or Model Aircraft on or above University Property, including Employees, Students, DCCs, contractors, and members of the public, must submit a request to and obtain prior written approval from the Office of Public Safety using their procedure and request form, unless such operation is permitted by the FAA. Approval may be rescinded at any time at the discretion of the Office of Public Safety. 

    2. Any person who receives written approval to operate a UAS or Model Aircraft on or above University Property must follow all applicable University and Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) policies and procedures as well as all local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including FAA regulations. 

    3. Third parties and vendors must provide a certificate of insurance related to UAS or Model Aircraft operation and agree to hold the University harmless from any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, proceedings, loss, cost, and damages of every kind and description related to UAS or Model Aircraft operation.

  2. Prohibited Uses

    1. UAS or Model Aircraft cannot be used to monitor or record areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by law.

  3. Camera Footage
    1. UAS and Model Aircraft camera footage used for Security Purposes must follow all requirements for Security Camera Footage in the University’s Security Camera Policy, except for the requirement to use the central University Video Management System referenced in the Policy. 

  4. Violations

    1. Employees, Students, or DCCs who violate this Policy may be subject to corrective action that could include termination from employment and/or from educational programs. 

    2. The University may pursue legal action against third parties who violate this Policy for trespassing or other infractions. 

    3. The University may terminate contracts or other agreements with vendors or contractors who violate this Policy.

    4. Fines or damages incurred by individuals who do not comply with this Policy will not be paid by the University and will be the responsibility of the individuals involved.

Compliance

The Office of Public Safety is responsible for overseeing compliance with this Policy. 

Individuals who witness a drone operating dangerously or potentially without approval should contact the University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD) on the non-emergency line at (520) 621-8273.

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