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Interim Policy
Use of UAS/drones for recreational activities
The operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including drones and model aircraft, is regulated
primarily by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Oregon State University (OSU) is working within
our community to create formal policies and establish procedures to ensure compliance with legal
obligations and address concerns on safety, security, and privacy while supporting use of UAS
technology in the furtherance of OSU’s educational, research, and land grant missions. This document
will act as and serves as the interim policy until replaced.
Individuals may operate UAS for recreational purposes, provided that they follow federal, state, local,
and OSU laws, regulations, and policies, including but not limited to: FAA guidelines and OSU conduct
policies
Under FAA rules, recreational owners of UAS weighing between 0.55 lbs. (250 grams) and 55 lbs.
(approximately 25 kg), including payloads, will need to register their aircraft.
(http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/)
Please visit the FAA website before operating UAS: (http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/)
Link to OSU Standards & Policies webpage: http://leadership.oregonstate.edu/policies
Privacy & Safety
In operating a UAS for purposes of monitoring, recording or transmitting any type of data, operators
must take all reasonable measures to avoid violations of areas normally considered private. Operators
must comply with all applicable privacy laws, regulations and policies, including:
UAS operations will comply with all student conduct and University policies.
UAS shall not be used to monitor, record, or transmit in areas where there is a reasonable
expectation of privacy in accordance with accepted social norms. UAS shall not be used to
monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information that may be found, for
example, on an individual’s workspaces or on computer or other electronic displays.
FAA restricts flight over certain stadiums during sporting events. For example, the FAA prohibits
all aircraft, including UAS, at or below 3,000 feet within a 3 mile radius of any stadium with a
seating capacity of 30,000 or more people when there is a NCAA Division I football game
occurring and one hour before and after the game.
FAA Guidelines include:
Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles, including buildings
Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations
Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before
flying
Don't fly over or near people or stadiums