DRONE SAFETY

Stony Brook University recognizes the beneficial use of drones for academic and research programs, commercial applications to support the strategic objectives, and emergency operations. The drone safety program and policy referenced on this page will guide departments and individuals on the requirements that have been established to ensure the safety, security and privacy of people, facilities and operations, and to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

• Can I fly my Unmaned Aircraft System (UAS) on campus?

  The increasing use of drones for commercial operations and private use can pose threats to the safety of others, such as injury to people, unwanted surveillance, interference with public events, collisions with other aircraft, damage to critical infrastructures and property, and threats to wildlife.
  
  Therefore, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations are strictly prohibited over the campus or inside campus buildings, except under the following circumstances, when approved by EH&S.

  • Operations deemed to be necessary to support the mission of the Stony Brook University academic, research and medical programs.
  • Operations that are essential to an administrative, business, facility maintenance, police, fire or emergency function of the University.
  • Students who are members of a Stony Brook club or program that is directly related to flying UAS (e.g. Innovation Lab, RC Flying Club, etc.), may request to fly their UAS “For Fun” at a designated location at the R&D Park.

  Hobby or recreational use of UAS by others is not permitted.

• Drone flying application

  Drone operations are strictly prohibited over the campus or inside campus buildings, except when approved by EH&S (see Drone Safety Policy for details).
  
  Departments and individuals who want to purchase and/or use a drone, or hire a contractor to perform drone activity, shall:

  1. Familiarize themselves with FAA requirements and guidelines (see drop down below).
  2. Submit a Drone Application and obtain approval from EH&S.
  3. Complete all FAA requirements (i.e. aircraft registration, pilot certification, drone labeling, recurrent training etc.), as required.
  4. Obtain required insurance, when required.
  5. Operate the drone in accordance with FAA regulations and guidelines, the requirements outlined in the Drone Safety policy, and as stipulated in the approval from EH&S.
• Drone safety policy

  The Drone Safety Policy recognizes the beneficial use of drones for academic and research programs, commercial applications to support the strategic objectives, and emergency operations.

• Additional resources
  • FAA drone homepage
  • FAA drone registration
  • FAA pilot airman certificate