The purpose of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy is to ensure that The University of Alabama (UA) and the UA community acquire and operate UAS efficiently, safely, ethically, and consistent with applicable FAA law and University policies and procedures.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Request Form
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Request form is utilized both for flight and for University acquisition.
The UAS Request Form should be initiated by the individual who will pilot the UAS for either request for flight or request for purchase. It will be routed to applicable departments for required review based on the parameters of the planned flight upon submission through Docusign. The operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Thus, all UAS must be operated in compliance with FAA regulations as well as state and local laws and UA policy. Please consult the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy for more information.
Request for Flight
Approval of location and time of flight does not guarantee that other parties or individuals will not be present. Be mindful of others and note that operation over any persons not directly participating in the operation, unless under a covered structure or inside a covered stationary vehicle, is prohibited under University policy.
Please note that applications require review from various subject matter experts to ensure all requirements of the UA UAS/Drone policy and FAA regulations are thoroughly addressed.
Have all necessary documents ready and available for upload as attachments to the UAS Request Form. Documentation required for flight will include, but is not limited to:
- Current Part 107 License OR Expired Part 107 License + Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent Certification
- UAS Registration
- LAANC Authorization
- Safety Plan (measures taken to ensure the safety of maneuvers and persons, location, objective, etc.)
Commercial and/or flights that present unique hazards to the campus community may also require:
- Certificate of Insurance (must reference Drone Liability Coverage)
Remote/Broadcast ID
UAS weighing over 0.55 lbs. MUST be equipped with built-in Remote ID or retrofitted with a Broadcast ID module, per the FAA. Any UAS not meeting these requirements will NOT be authorized for activity on campus.
Request for Purchase
Prior to purchasing UAS/drones or related equipment, please review the Blue UAS Cleared List which is updated by the Defense Innovation Unit. Additional information regarding University purchases of UAS/drones or related equipment can be obtained by contacting the UA Office for Research Security and Export Control at orsec@ua.edu.
PURCHASING NOTE:
Please be advised that approvals for the purchase of a UAS may be denied based upon the manufacturer, origin, and evolving federal regulations. A UAS Request form must be completed for all drone purchases.
Please allow, AT MINIMUM, 7-10 business days prior to planned flight to ensure adequate time for the processing of all requests.