Scope: Who is Covered by this Policy?

Employees, Students and Visitors

Policy Statement

Miami University recognizes the potential benefits of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, for academic, research, and operational purposes. This policy establishes guidelines for the safe, responsible, and compliant operation of UAS on or over university property and in connection with university activities, ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and other applicable laws and ordinances, while protecting the safety, privacy, and security of the university community.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure the safe operation of UAS to prevent harm to individuals or damage to property.
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing UAS operations.
• Protect the privacy of individuals within the university community.
• Mitigate risks associated with UAS use.
• Establish clear procedures for requesting, approving, and conducting UAS operations.
• Define roles and responsibilities for UAS operators and university departments.

This policy applies to:

• All UAS operations conducted on or over any property owned, leased, or controlled by Miami University, including main campus, branch campuses, and off-campus facilities.
• All UAS operations conducted as part of any university-related activity, program, or event, regardless of location (e.g. field research, athletic events, marketing shoots).
• All individuals operating a UAS for any purpose related to the university, including but not limited to, faculty, staff, students, contractors, vendors, and visitors.
• All UAS, regardless of size or weight, including model aircraft.

Definitions

• Certificate of Authorization (COA): An authorization issued by the FAA for public aircraft operations (e.g., by public universities or government entities) not covered under Part 107.
• FAA Part 107: The Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 107) governing the operation of small UAS for commercial or non-recreational purposes.
• Limited Educational Purpose (as per FAA guidance): UAS operations by students in an accredited educational institution as part of their coursework or for training purposes, under the recreational guidelines for model aircraft, provided the operation is within the programming and safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO) and the primary purpose of the course is not drone operation itself (e.g., design or construction with incidental drone use).
• Public Entity: Any University employee that is not a Miami University faculty member; all governmental entities, law enforcement agencies, and public safety agencies
• Recreational Flyer: An individual operating a UAS for purely recreational purposes (hobby use). Subject to specific FAA regulations (e.g., TRUST, registration for drones over 0.55 lbs).
• Remote Pilot in Command (PIC): person directly responsible for and the final authority as to the operation of a small UAS. 
• Remote Pilot Certificate: An FAA certificate required for individuals operating small UAS under Part 107.
• University Property: Any land, buildings, or facilities owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Miami University.
• University-Related Activity: Any activity conducted by university employees, students, or authorized third parties on behalf of the university, or utilizing university resources.
• Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS): An aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. Commonly referred to as a "drone."
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The ability of the remote pilot in command and the visual observer to see the aircraft continuously, unaided by any device other than corrective lenses.

General Requirements and Prohibitions

1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations:
   1. All UAS operations must strictly adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to: * FAA Regulations: Part 107 (for commercial/non-recreational use), airspace restrictions, and any applicable waivers or authorization). * Ohio State Law: House Bill 77 (effective April 9, 2025) and other relevant Ohio Revised Code sections, which prohibit reckless operation, interference with emergency services, and operation over critical facilities with malicious intent. * Local Ordinances: Any specific city or county ordinances regarding drone use. 
   2. Federal airspace laws take precedence over state and local drone laws.
2. Prohibited:
   1. Recreational/Hobby Use: The operation of UAS for purely recreational or hobby purposes is strictly prohibited on or over university property at all times. This includes personal photography or videography. 
   2. Privacy Violations: UAS shall not be used to monitor, record, or observe areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., residential halls, restrooms, locker rooms, medical facilities).  Should drone flights be needed to support maintenance activities in these areas, residents/occupants will be notified at least 24-hours in advance of the flight(s).
   3. Harassment/Surveillance: UAS shall not be used for surveillance, harassment, or to intentionally interfere with the activities of individuals or groups. 
   4. Hazardous Operations: Operations that endanger people or property, including flying over crowds, near power lines, or in inclement weather, are prohibited. 
   5. Interference: UAS operations that interfere with law enforcement, emergency services, or manned aircraft are strictly prohibited. 
   6. Payloads: Carrying hazardous materials, weapons, or any unapproved payloads is prohibited.
   7. Model Rockets: Model rockets, or other similarly powered aerial vehicles, are strictly prohibited.

General Operational Requirements: 

1. UAS Specifications: All UAS operated on University property must weigh less than fifty-five (55) pounds at take-off and have a wingspan of six (6) feet or less.
2. Operational Procedures: Detailed flight plans must be submitted as part of the pre-flight authorization process.
3. Data Management: All data collected must be managed in accordance with university policies regarding data security, retention, and intellectual property.
4. Registration: All UAS weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more must be registered with the FAA, and the FAA-issued registration number must be affixed to the UAS. 
5. Line of Sight: All UAS operations must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with the aircraft at all times, without the aid of any device other than corrective lenses. 
6. Altitude/Speed: UAS operations should not exceed 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and should maintain a maximum groundspeed of less than 100 mph, unless approved by the University’s designated authority. 
7. B4UFLY App: Operators are required to use the FAA's B4UFLY smartphone application to determine airspace restrictions and requirements for their planned flight area. 
8. Age Requirement: UAS operators must be at least 18 years of age. 
9. Night Operations: Night operations are generally prohibited unless authorized by FAA waiver and approved by the university. 
10. Moving Vehicles: Operating a UAS from a moving vehicle is prohibited.

Specific Requirements for Limited Educational Use 

For UAS operations by students as part of their coursework, or for training purposes, under the FAA's limited educational use provisions (operating under recreational guidelines, 49 U.S.C. § 44809):

1. Purpose: Flights must be solely for training, or as part of an accredited educational program, where the primary purpose of the course is not operating the drone, but rather utilizing the drone as a tool for a broader educational objective (e.g., engineering design, environmental monitoring, architectural photography).
2. Student Operational Control: Students must maintain primary operational control of the UAS. Faculty may provide minimal assistance, but their manipulation of controls should be incidental and secondary to the student's operation (e.g., stepping in to regain control in an emergency). In the absence of a faculty member, oversight must be performed by an individual holding a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
3. TRUST Certificate: Students operating under this provision must complete the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of passage.
4. Community-Based Organization (CBO) Guidelines: Miami University has chosen to comply with the following CBO: Academy of Model Aeronautics.  All operations must adhere to the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ Safety  Program and if there is a conflict between this policy and any requirements found in Part 107 or the safety program of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the requirements contained in this policy shall control when the requirements are more restrictive.
5. Designated Flight Areas: To minimize risk and simplify compliance, UAS operations for limited educational purposes are restricted to specific designated "Authorized Flight Areas" on or near university property, as approved by the Designated University Authority.
   1. Chestnut Fields (105 W. Chestnut Ave., behind parking lot).
   2. Ditmar Parking Lot (behind MUPD & Ditmer Parking Lot).
   3. Bonham Field/Fryman Parking Lot
6. Oversight: Faculty supervising limited educational use drone activities are responsible for ensuring students understand and comply with this policy and all applicable FAA regulations. In the absence of a faculty member, oversight must be performed by an individual holding a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Specific Requirements for Part 107 Operations (Commercial/Research/Other Non-Recreational)

For UAS operations conducted for research, commercial purposes, university operations (e.g., facility inspection, marketing photography), or any purpose not explicitly covered under the limited educational use exception:

1. Remote Pilot Certificate: The PIC must possess a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
2. Waivers/Authorizations: Any operation that deviates from Part 107 rules (operations over people not directly participating in the operation) requires an FAA waiver or authorization.
3. Operational Procedures: Detailed flight plans must be submitted as part of the pre-flight authorization process.
4. Data Management: All data collected must be managed in accordance with university policies regarding data security, retention, and intellectual property.
5. Contractual Agreement:  Except for Public Entities, any person that is not a University student or employee who wishes to operate a UAS on University Property must enter into a written agreement with the University that, among other things, requires such person to:
   1. hold the University harmless from any claims or harm to individuals caused by the person’s operation of the UAS;
   2. indemnify the University for any damages to property owned or used by the University that are caused by the person’s operation of the UAS; and
   3. obtain a liability insurance policy with at least $1 million in liability coverage for the operations of unmanned aircraft add the University as an additional insured under such insurance policy and show proof of automobile insurance with sufficient limits.

Approval Process for UAS Operations

1. University Designated Authority:
   1. The Office of Research and Innovation will be responsible for reviewing and approving all UAS flight requests that are related to research or education, including limited educational use requests.  Environmental Health and Safety will be responsible for reviewing and approving UAS flight requests for commercial purposes. 
   2. These offices will ensure compliance with university policy, FAA regulations, and Ohio law.
2. Request Submission:
   1. All individuals (faculty, staff, students, vendors/contractors) wishing to operate a UAS for university-related purposes must submit a formal UAS Flight Request at least 14 business days or more, in advance of the proposed flight. 
   2. The request must include: 
      1. Operator's name, contact information
      2. FAA Remote Pilot Certificate number (if applicable)
      3.  FAA registration number of the UAS (if applicable)
      4.  Manufacturer and model number of the UAS
      5. Detailed flight plan including: date(s), time(s), specific location(s) (including precise coordinates or maps), purpose of the flight, proposed altitude, and flight path
      6. Description of the activity, including any data collection or imagery
      7. Identification of any person(s) who will be operating the UASEmergency contact information. 
3. Review and Approval:
   1. The appropriate office will review the request for compliance with this policy, applicable laws, safety concerns, and potential impact on university operations or privacy. 
   2. Additional departmental approvals may be required.
   3. The university reserves the right to deny any request at its discretion.
   4. Approved requests will receive a formal authorization, which must be carried or accessible by the operator during all UAS operations.
4. Notification:
   1. Approved operators must notify the following at least 24 hours prior to any approved flight operation. 
      1. Miami University Airport (KOXD)- 513-529-2735
      2. Miami University Police Department- 513-529-2222
      3. McCullough Hyde Hospital- 513-524-5305

Accident and Incident Reporting

1. Immediate Notification:
   1. In the event of a UAS accident, incident, or any unexpected event that results in injury, property damage, or poses a significant safety risk, the operator must immediately: 
      1. Secure the scene, if safe to do so 
      2. Notify the Miami University Police Department- 513-529-2222
      3. Provide all available information about the incident
2. Formal Reporting:
   1. The operator must also report the incident within 24 hours, or as soon as practicable to:
      1. Office or Research and Innovation
      2. Environmental Health and Safety
      3. Risk Management 
   2. All FAA reporting requirements for accidents and incidents must be met by the operator.

Training and Education

1. Operator Responsibility: UAS operators are responsible for staying current with all FAA regulations, Ohio state laws, and university policies related to UAS operation.
2. University Resources: Miami University may provide or recommend training resources for UAS operators to ensure a high level of competency and safety.

Enforcement and Violations

1. Compliance: Any individual operating a UAS on or over university property, or in connection with university activities, must comply with this policy and all applicable laws and regulations.  All persons operating a UAS on University property do so at their own risk.
2. Consequences of Violation:
   1. Violations of this policy may result in immediate cessation of UAS operations, confiscation of equipment, and disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, expulsion from the university, and/or legal action (e.g., trespassing). 
   2. The university will not be responsible for any fines, penalties, or damages incurred by individuals or third parties who operate UAS in violation of this policy or applicable laws. 
   3. Legal consequences, including criminal liability, may arise under federal or state law for certain violations.  

Insurance and Liability

1. Personal/Hobby Use: UAS flights for personal or hobby use are not allowed on Miami University campuses.
2. University Employee and Student Use: For approved flights, insurance coverage is provided under the University’s commercial general liability policy.
3. Vendors and Contractors: UAS operations approved under this policy for university-related purposes by vendors/contractors must adhere to university insurance requirements, requiring  a liability insurance policy with at least $1 million in liability coverage for the operations of unmanned aircraft add the University as an additional insured under such insurance policy and show proof of automobile insurance with sufficient limits.

Related Form(s)

Submit a request

Additional Resources and Procedures

FAQ

Not applicable.

Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2027

Responsible Officers

• Vice President for Research and Innovation
• Sr. Vice President for Finance and Business Services

Legal Reference

Compliance Policy

No

Recent Revision History

 Edited October 2019, Revised February 2026

Reference ID(s)

• MUPIM 16.17
• OAC 3339-16-17

Reviewers

• Vice President for Research and Innovation
• Sr. Vice President for Finance and Business Services