Unmanned Aircraft Systems Plans and Procedures

This document outlines the plan and procedures for the safe, lawful, and ethical operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in support of BYU’s research, academic, operational, and outreach missions. It applies to all BYU UAS activities regardless of location.

BYU Campus: All real property, buildings, and facilities owned or controlled by the university.

Contractor: A non-BYU-affiliated individual or company who has entered into a contract or service agreement with BYU to conduct UAS operations on BYU Campus, or for and on behalf of BYU.

Drone Show: Live aerial performance in which multiple coordinated Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, equipped with illumination devices, operate in pre-programmed, synchronized flight patterns to create images, animations, or visual effects in the sky for entertainment or event-related purposes.

Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC): The individual responsible for the compliance of all procedures and plans outlined in this document, ensuring the safe operation of a UAS.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS): The complete, integrated operational system that includes an uncrewed aircraft, ground-based controller, command-and-control data links, and all support equipment required to operate it safely.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): Any aircraft that operates without a human pilot onboard (e.g., drone).

All UAS operations must comply with applicable FAA regulations (e.g., Part 107), state laws, and BYU policies.

Recreational or hobbyist UAS flights are strictly prohibited on BYU Campus.

All UAS flights, as part of university business, must have a BYU UAS Permit.

All BYU-owned UAS must be operated or supervised by a Remote PIC who is a BYU employee.

Drone Shows must be sponsored by a BYU unit and receive prior approval from the BYU vice president responsible for the organizational unit sponsoring the Drone Show.

Remote PICs must apply for a permit to conduct all UAS operations as part of university business. Applicants for the BYU UAS Permit must submit the following:

• Proof of Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
• Declaration of flight experience and the number of flights completed
• Approval from a BYU unit leader or designee
• General flight plans with anticipated locations, dates, and times

B. Permit

BYU Risk Management and Safety Department (RMSD) will review the permit application to verify that all required documentation has been submitted and that applicable requirements have been satisfied. Upon approval, BYU RMSD will issue a written permit to the Remote PIC specifying the authorized flight locations, approved flight activities, and the flight date.

The permit may be suspended or revoked by BYU RMSD if the pilot fails to comply with FAA regulations, BYU policies, or any conditions or requirements specified in the permit.

Permit applications must be submitted at least five (5) business days before the proposed flight. Drone show applications must be submitted at least 21 days prior to the event.

A long-term permit may be issued at the discretion of the BYU RMSD for faculty, staff, or contractors with recurring flight needs.

All UAS operations must be conducted in full compliance with applicable FAA regulations, including 14 CFR Part 107 and any subsequent amendments. The Remote Pilot in Command bears sole responsibility for ensuring familiarity with, and adherence to, the most current federal requirements governing UAS operations, including any applicable waivers or airspace authorizations.

Any FAA-required airspace approvals, including, but not limited to, LAANC, TFR-Waiver, or Zero-grid authorization, must be obtained by the Remote PIC and retained by the Remote PIC. These approvals do NOT need to be provided to BYU RMSD.

Any custom-built UAS device must be approved by BYU RMSD prior to flight.

The Remote PIC must notify BYU Security Dispatch by calling 801-422-2222 immediately before and after each on-campus flight.

Flights must occur only in approved areas and in accordance with weather safety guidelines.

All drone-related incidents must be reported to RMSD online at incident.byu.edu.

Indoor UAS flights are typically not regulated by the FAA. However, ALL indoor UAS flights on BYU’s campus must be permitted by BYU RMSD through the UAS permitting process outlined in this document

All university-sponsored off-campus UAS flights require a BYU UAS Permit through the permit process outlined in this document.

Operators must comply with all airspace regulations that apply to the flight location, including those of the relevant international aviation authorities if operating abroad.

Any FAA-required airspace approvals, including, but not limited to, LAANC, TFR-Waiver, or zero-grid authorization, must be obtained by the Remote PIC and retained by the Remote PIC. These approvals do NOT need to be provided to BYU RMSD.

Contractors conducting UAS activities (e.g., photography, surveying) must:

• Comply with the above permit process.
• Be licensed (Part 107).
• Be identified in a contract or service agreement with BYU that includes UAS operations. This applies to general contractors or subcontractors.
• Provide proof of insurance meeting BYU standards

Drone shows over the BYU Campus must be sponsored by a BYU unit and approved by the unit’s vice president. The show must be conducted by a reputable vendor that has provided proof of the required insurance and entered into a written contract with BYU. The sponsoring unit must follow additional criteria, including:

• Comply with the above permit process.
  
  • Submit the application for the BYU UAS Permit no later than 21 days in advance.
• Submit an Event Approval Request form.
• Schedule with Campus Scheduling any ground space necessary to set up the drone show and ground controls.
• Coordinate with the vendor to provide the flight zone perimeter security and personnel for the day of flight.

Any advertising content displayed in the drone show must be pre-approved per the BYU Advertising, Selling, Soliciting Policy.

UAS may not collect personally identifiable information of individuals without their consent, especially in sensitive areas, including dormitories, healthcare facilities, etc.

Data captured by UAS must be stored securely and only used for its intended purpose.

Operators must avoid violating personal privacy or creating nuisance conditions through low-altitude or repeated flights.

X. Unpermitted UAS Flights

Any unpermitted UAS flights launching from or landing on BYU campus will be identified and asked to cease and desist all operations. Non-cooperative UAS pilots or personnel may be cited for trespassing.

This plan will be reviewed and updated regularly and as needed by RMSD in coordination with the Office of General Counsel, academic departments, and BYU Police and Security.

For questions or additional guidance, contact the BYU Risk Management and Safety Department at 801-422-4468.