The operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or “drones” over RPI property is prohibited except where specifically authorized in writing for research, educational, and other purposes consistent with RPI’s mission. UAV operation is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and, in some cases, local law.

All UAV operations that are conducted as part of an authorized RPI activity (including, but not limited to classroom, research, or club activities) must comply with all FAA regulations regardless of whether they occur over RPI property. These regulations differ somewhat depending on whether the UAV is operated:

1. by a student for unpaid educational use. See https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/ (Note: The FAA refers to this as “recreational” use, but has interpreted this use to include operation by students as a component of curricula at an accredited educational institution); or
2. by a faculty member, employee, or contractor as part of their job duties, including a research or classroom activity. See: https://www.faa.gov/uas/educational_users/ (Note: These rules include a requirement that the operator hold a Remote Pilot Certificate for operation of UAV).

The UAV operator is responsible for understanding and following these regulations.

In all cases, RPI requires that the following rules be followed, absent special permission in writing issued by the Director of Public Safety or his/her designee:

1. The UAV must be registered with the FAA, as required by law: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone
2. The UAV must weigh less than 10 lbs.
3. The UAV must always remain within the line of site of the operator.
4. The UAV must remain below 400ft above ground level, and fly at a velocity at or below 50 mph.
5. The UAV must not be flown over residential areas, or in other areas where persons are likely to be outdoors, including parks, schools or campuses, business or retail areas, stadiums, beaches, or outdoor events.
6. The UAV must be operated in daylight hours only.
7. The UAV must be operated in a safe manner.
8. The UAV may not be used to stalk, harass, surveil, follow, intimidate, or monitor individuals.
9. The operator of the UAV must always comply with RPI’s Policy on Electronic Citizenship, and other RPI policies.
10. No photography or video may be taken by the UAV unless specifically authorized in writing by the Office of Community Engagement and Communications.

Approval and Notification

Written permission must be obtained to operate a UAV over Institute property (including any buildings, grounds, or land that is owned by or controlled by RPI via leases or other formal contractual arrangements). Permission may be granted only for specific time periods and only for the specific geographic flight areas designated in the written permission. In general, permission will not be granted to conduct UAV operations over the main Troy campus including in student residential areas. To be eligible to seek permission, the proposed UAV flight must be part of an authorized RPI activity (including, but not limited to classroom, research, or club activities).

• Permission for UAV operations related to a class, academic research, or a school-sponsored organization must be obtained in writing from the Dean or Associate Dean of the School and from the Department of Public Safety,
• Permission for UAV operations related to RPI student clubs and organizations that are not sponsored by a School must be approved in writing by the Dean of Students and by the Department of Public Safety.

Permission must first be obtained from the designated Dean and then submitted to the Department of Public Safety at least 5 days prior to the planned operation. The operator is responsible for complying with any conditions imposed by the Department of Public Safety in granting the permission.

Third-Party Operations 

Any UAV operations over RPI Property shall be for research, educational, and other purposes consistent with RPI’s mission. No third party shall conduct such operations unless retained or sponsored by a RPI staff or faculty member who follows the Approval and Notification procedures set forth above, The RPI faculty or staff sponsor shall be responsible for ensuring that the party conducting the operations is aware of this policy and shall accompany the third-party during flight operations.

Accidents 

Any accident involving the UAV that results in damage to a person or property must be reported immediately to the Department of Public Safety.