Photo of Drone in Sky

Drones (UAS) Policy 

(Revised 1/6/2026)

The purpose of this policy is to define the requirements for use of any Drone operated on or over University Property, or elsewhere for any University-controlled or owned Drones. 

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. 

All members of the University community are responsible for complying with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances, and University of Iowa policies and procedures with respect to the operation of drones.

This site provides the Drone Flight Request Form that must be completed and approved prior to launch and the Landowner Drone Flight Consent Form that must be completed if launching or landing a University owned Drone from non-University property. If your Drone Flight Request is approved, you will be issued a Drone Flight Approval notice which must be in the possession of the remote pilot in charge or the drone operator at all times during the drone operation.  Please contact the Department of Risk Management if you have questions about this policy or the forms at 202 Plaza Centre One or https://riskmanagement.fo.uiowa.edu/.

 

Drone (UAS) policy

Drone Flight Request Form

Landowner Drone Flight Form

Related Policies

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions
Drone Committee Members
  • Erin Feltes – Office of General Counsel
  • Emily Robnett - Risk Management (co-chair)
  • Michael Weaver - Office of the Vice President for Research (co-chair)
  • Kirk Murray – Office of Strategic Communication
  • Kevin Kregel – Office of the Executive Vice President & Provost
  • Wendy Moorehead – Finance and Operations
  • Robert Kwiat – UIHC Safety and Security
  • David Visin – Department of Public Safety
Drone Advisory Group
  • Jeff Aaberg - University Housing & Dining
  • Josh Berka – Athletics
  • Patricia Cone-Fisher – Division of Sponsored Programs, Export Control
  • Dan Fine – Faculty Representative
  • Thomas Schnell – Faculty Representative
  • Todd Rent  – Employee & Labor Relations, Human Resources
  • Local Building Coordinator(s)