Texas A&M University Environmental Health & Safety

UAS Flight Approval Process

All UAS flight requests must be submitted at least 15 days before the planned operation. To initiate a request, submit your application via the UAS Portal and provide all supporting documentation.

UAS Portal

Guidelines and Responsibilities

  • Most UAS flights on campus are required to follow FAA Part 107 rules. 
    • Pilots must possess a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate, be at least 16 years of age, and complete TSA vetting. 
    • Aircraft must weigh less than 55 pounds, be registered if they exceed 0.55 pounds, and pass a pre-flight safety inspection. Visit the FAA website to register your aircraft. 
    • Our campus primarily falls within Class D airspace, so unmanned flights require prior FAA approval. 
    • Flight operations should maintain a visual line of sight, remain below 400 feet, occur during daylight hours, and not exceed 100 mph. 
    • Flights should not take place over populated areas or from moving vehicles. 
    • Always yield the right of way to manned aircraft.
  • If any Part 107 regulation cannot be followed, you must request a waiver from the FAA before receiving permission from Texas A&M to operate your UAS.
  • The Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) bears the responsibility for the safe operation of the UAS and is required to submit an accident report to EHS within 48 hours of any incident.
Resources

UAS Checklist

  • Certificate of Insurance
  • COA
  • rPic Certificate (required if rPic Certificate is more than 2 years old)
  • UAS Picture with registration number and asset number
  • Maintenance Records
  • Waivers
  • Research Project Narrative, including:
    • Department
    • Department Identification
    • Department Contact
  • Flight Safety Plan, including:
    • Provisions to avoid flying over pedestrians and vehicles
    • UAS Maintenance Logs
    • UAS Incident Log
    • Loss of Control Contingency Plan
  • If Third-Party Contractor, a copy of the contract or agreement with the Texas A&M University System entity
  • Any other supporting documents

Need More Info?

Email us with any questions about your UAS flight request.

Email UAS