Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Flying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) such as a drone (also known as a quadcopter) on The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) property or off-campus as part of a university-associated project is prohibited without prior approval as well as complying with FAA regulations. Flying a drone is restricted to drones that are less than 55 lbs. and fly below 400 feet in controlled or uncontrolled air space.
Applicable Rules – Education and Research
Part 107 (14 CFR part 107) is the primary law for flying small drones (less than 55 pounds) in the United States. You can fly under part 107 rules for many reasons, including work or business, recreation, education, or for public safety missions.
Education and research uses of drones for educational purposes can be operated under the rules for recreational flyers. Education and research purposes must meet the following criteria:
- instruction of students at the institution;
- academic or research related uses of unmanned aircraft systems that have been approved by the institution, including federal research;
- activities undertaken by the institution as part of research projects, including research projects sponsored by the federal government; and
- other academic activities approved by the institution.
UTRGV Requirements for Flying a Drone
To fly an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) such as a drone (also known as a quadcopter) on UTRGV property or off-campus as part of a university-associated project please complete the steps below:
- Submit UTRGV UAV Request Form
Submit a UTRGV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Request Form and submit to uavflight@utrgv.edu no less than two weeks prior to any UAV operations. Individuals who are not affiliated with the university or who are not conducting university sponsored operations must submit this form not less than three (3) weeks in advance of flight operations.
- Prior to flying the drone you will be required to do the following:
- Register your drone either online or by mail.
Register your drone at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drone Zone either under part 107 or the Exception for Recreational Flyers. You also have the option to register a drone by mail.
Once you register your drone, you will receive an FAA registration certificate. You must have your registration certificate (either a paper copy or digital copy) in your possession when you fly.
- Label your drone.
The FAA requires that you mark all drones with your registration number before you fly them. Here is how to label your drone:
- Label your drone (PDF)
- Must be maintained in a condition that is legible.
- Must be affixed to the small unmanned aircraft by any means necessary to ensure that it will remain affixed for the duration of each operation.
- Must be legibly displayed on an external surface of the small unmanned aircraft.
- Obtain the proper training.
Obtain the proper training and pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage (the TRUST completion certificate) to the FAA or law enforcement upon request.
- Follow rules for recreation flyers.
- Follow general operating requirements.
Rules for Education Flyers flying under the Recreational Flyer Exemption
- Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO).
Note: FAA has not yet begun officially recognizing CBOs. Recreational flyers are directed to follow the safety guidelines of existing aeromodelling organizations or use the FAA provided safety guidelines per Advisory Circular 91-57B. - Keep your drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
- Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft.
- Fly at or below 400' in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) only with prior authorization by using LAANC or DroneZone.
- Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.
Note: Flying drones in certain airspace is not allowed. Classes of airspace and flying restrictions can be found on our B4UFLY app or the UAS Facility Maps webpage. - Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage.
- Have a current registration, mark your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration with you.
- Do not operate your drone in a dangerous manner. For example:
- Do not interfere with emergency response or law enforcement activities.
- Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Learn the rules for recreational flyers.
- Read the exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft.
General Operating Requirements
Just as there are rules of the road when driving a car, there are rules of the sky when operating a drone.
- Always avoid manned aircraft.
- Never operate in a careless or reckless manner.
- Keep your drone within sight. If you use First Person View or similar technology, you must have a visual observer always keep your drone within unaided sight (for example, no binoculars).
- You cannot be a pilot or visual observer for more than one drone operation at a time.
- Do not fly a drone over people unless they are directly participating in the operation.
- Do not operate your drone from a moving vehicle or aircraft unless you are flying your drone over a sparsely populated area and it does not involve the transportation of property for compensation or hire.
You can fly during daylight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) or in twilight if your drone has anti-collision lighting. Minimum weather visibility is three miles from your control station. The maximum allowable altitude is 400 feet above the ground, higher if your drone remains within 400 feet of a structure. Maximum speed is 100 mph (87 knots).
Your drone can carry an external load if it is securely attached and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft. You also may transport property for compensation or hire within state boundaries provided the drone (including its attached systems), payload, and cargo, weighs less than 55 pounds total and you obey the other flight rules. (Some exceptions apply to Hawaii and the District of Columbia.)