An unmanned aircraft system (commonly referred to as a “Drone”) means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft, as well as the communication links and components that control the aircraft.

Yes. The University of Iowa has implemented a Drone policy in order to support the university’s mission while also managing issues of safety, privacy, and compliance with applicable laws and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The policy can be found here.

The University Drone policy applies to any Drone, parts to assemble a Drone, or Drone services purchased with university funds or with funds being disbursed through a university account; individuals who operate a Drone on or over University property; and all University-controlled and/or University-owned Drones launched or landed outside of University Property.

A request for approval should be submitted via the Drone Flight Request Form at least 10 business days prior to the planned operation. The request must be complete, accurate and include:  

A detailed description of the proposed Drone activity and purpose;

A clearly marked flight plan with identified not to exceed boundaries (aerial map with markings) and with clearly marked launch and land locations identified;

Name of requestor, Drone Operator, Drone Operator’s licenses, Remote Pilot In Command Certificate, visual observer (as applicable), permits and clearances to operate the Drone as proposed;

Owner information, description of Drone, and FAA assigned Drone remote identification number; 

Landowner Consent Form (as applicable); and

Any other pertinent information necessary for the Drone Committee to review.

Here is a sample of an acceptable detailed flight plan:

The FAA has jurisdiction over all navigable airspace in the United States, and all aircraft (whether manned or unmanned) are subject to FAA rules and regulations. In Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act (FMRA), the FAA addresses the rules for operating all manned and unmanned aircraft. The FAA is authorized to grant an exemption under Section 333 to enable an individual or an entity to operate a UAS for civil and non-governmental purposes and activities. For more information about FAA rules and regulations, please see the FAA’s UAS website found here.

No. Faculty and others who would like to include operation of a Drone as part of their teaching or research, or for other educational purposes, are subject to the FAA’s rules and University's Drone policy.

A request to use a drone on Iowa City property should be submitted to Michael Tharp at the Iowa City Municipal Airport at Michael-tharp@iowa-city.org.

Yes, the federal government prohibits the purchase, operation, and use of certain drones in the performance of some federal contracts.  As such federal funds cannot be used to acquire or operate such prohibited drones. Researchers should work with the Division of Sponsored Programs and the Office of Export Controls before purchasing any new drones or using existing drones on federally sponsored projects.   

For all other drone purchases, the purchaser must ensure that neither the drone nor its components include any prohibited technology.  See https://itsecurity.uiowa.edu/policies-standards-guidelines/it-guidelines/prohibited-technology