Indoor Use

Indoor use is not regulated by the FAA, but indoor operations must be conducted in a manner that protects operators, spectators and property. Those planning indoor flights must contact EHS Office of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for review of the flight plan and activity.

Outdoor Use

Outdoor operations including but not limited to research, education, photography, and job function of UAS’s on the Gainesville campus and all other UF property locations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by EH&S Office of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.  Minimum requirements include current FAA Remote Pilot License with a sUAS rating and relevant experience, and FAA sUAS registration information. Third party operators will also need to provide insurance verification with a minimum of $1,000,000 liability coverage specifically naming “The University of Florida” as an “additional insured”. Notifications to ShandsCair and UF Police will be required and can be coordinated through EH&S Office of Unmanned Aircraft Systems after the flight plan has been reviewed and accepted.

Hobbyist/Recreation — At this time UAS hobbyist operation is prohibited due to the proximity of ShandsCair helicopter flight operations, safety concerns for students, faculty, staff and visitors, and privacy concerns.  There are options available off campus for hobbyists to fly their UAS’.

All potential operators will need to register with UF EH&S Office of Unmanned Aircraft Systems by providing the information listed above.  Pilot registration is only necessary once. Aircraft can be added at time of initial registration and subsequently with an Aircraft Registration Form after pilot information has been established. A Flight Plan Request form must be submitted for each separate flight.

Each flight will be evaluated individually and requires submitting a separate flight plan form for each planned operation.

Requests for flight operations and any questions can be submitted by email to uf-uas@ufl.edu or to John Rouse at 352-392-1591.