Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/ Drones

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones, are increasingly being utilized all across university campuses.

Drones are being employed in a wide variety of research and facilities applications such as animal tracking, agriculture, digital archeology, campus surveys, and infrastructure inspections. Students and staff are also increasingly looking to utilize drones for photography, journalism and recreational activities. 

University employees who operate University drones must operate them in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Employees who do not operate University drones in accordance with applicable laws and regulations may be subject to personal liability for any claims or losses arising out of their activities. 

Scope

By System Regulation 24.01.07, The Texas A&M University System established requirements for each System member to follow relating to the operation of small UAS on System member property by contractors, vendors, employees, and students as well as operations of small UAS by System member employees in any location as part of their System member employment or member activities.

Most importantly, it establishes the member Supervising Authority which is the official member entity having administrative duties over the use and operation of small UAS on its property and by its employees/students.

The Regulation creates inventory requirements for small UAS purchased by System members.

Reasons for Regulation

Due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversight and increased commercial application of UAS, system property owners are compelled to affirm their control over and communicate their requirements for faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors and third party vendors when operating UAS and model aircraft on property under their purview or by an employee in their work capacity.

These links will assist you with understanding the process for gaining approval to fly a UAS on the TAMUCC campus

• https://www.tamus.edu/business/risk-management/risk-analysis-and-control/guide/ 

  • See Unmanned Aircraft System Operations section

TAMUS UAS Flight Authorization

• https://www.tamus.edu/business/risk-management/uas/uas-flight-authorization-app/

All unmanned Aircraft systems (UAS, UAV, Drones, etc.) must be placed on inventory and have an asset number assigned to them, regardless of their dollar amount.

Note: The Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation operates separately from other TAMUCC UAS operations.