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Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws, and University of Houston System and University policies. Any individual seeking to operate a drone on a University of Houston System property, at a System-sponsored event or activity, or using a drone acquired with System resources must obtain advance approval in accordance with SAM 01.F.02.

Individuals authorized to conduct UAS operations on campus are personally responsible for complying with all applicable FAA regulations, federal and state laws, local ordinances, and University of Houston System and University policies. Approval to operate a drone does not relieve an operator of these obligations or authorize activities that would otherwise violate applicable requirements.

All UAS requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and evaluated according to the nature of the proposed operation, operational risk, regulatory requirements, safety considerations, and the potential impact on the University community and surrounding airspace.

 

General Information

Operating Environment

With a student enrollment exceeding 45,000, the University of Houston campus is vibrant and highly active, and its airspace is no different. UH is situated within one of the most complex drone operating environments of any major university in the nation. The campus lies within Houston's Class B controlled airspace and is in close proximity to extensive helicopter operations serving the Texas Medical Center and downtown Houston. Additionally, UH is located less than three miles from several professional sports stadiums and major event hubs, further contributing to the complexity of the surrounding airspace.

Due to the density and complexity of the operating environment, all drone operators on campus must hold a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational drone operations are prohibited on central campus. However, Faculty, Staff and certain student organizations operating strictly for educational or research purposes may qualify for an exception under FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-57D provided they first complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) through an approved training administrator.

Airspace Restrictions

Several airspace restrictions affect drone operations at UH. Drone pilots are solely responsible for reviewing Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMS), weather conditions, and any other restrictions or hazards that could affect the safe and legal operation of their aircraft.

Because UH is located within Class B controlled airspace, pilots authorized to operate on campus must obtain FAA airspace authorization through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system prior to flight and comply with all applicable operational requirements and restrictions.

In addition, Sporting Event TFRs prohibit drone operations within a three-mile radius of qualifying sporting events, including the UH football games at TDECU Stadium and Houston Astros games at Daikin Park. These restrictions are generally in effect beginning one hour before the scheduled start of an event and remain in place until one hour after its conclusion.  

Enforcement and Penalties for Non-Compliance

The FAA's Compliance and Enforcement Bulletin No. 2026-1.  reinforces the agency's commitment to taking enforcement action against drone operators whose actions endanger the public, violate airspace restrictions, or facilitate other unlawful activities. Under this policy, the FAA may pursue a range of enforcement measures, including certificate suspension or revocation, civil penalties, and other legal actions, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

In addition to federal enforcement, individuals who violate the University of Houston System drone policy, applicable laws, or airspace restrictions may be subject to University disciplinary or administrative action. Such sanctions may include suspension or revocation of drone operating privileges, restrictions on future flight activities, or referral to student or employee conduct processes.

 

Application/Request Process

The UAS application and approval process is currently being updated. Until the revised process is implemented, the following procedures remain in effect:

Faculty/Staff/Students

Faculty, staff, and students should submit the Internal UAS Application to the UAS Team at drones@central.uh.edu at least four (4) calendar days before the proposed operation and provide all required documentation and information. Complex requests should be submitted at least seven (7) calendar days in advance to allow sufficient time for review and coordination. Internal applicants who are approved for recurrent operations are still required to notify the UAS Team before each flight. Notification details will be provided to the applicant upon approval.

Faculty/Staff/Students Application

 

Visitors/Unaffiliated

Visitors and unaffiliated individuals must submit a UAS Request/Application to the UAS Team at drones@central.uh.edu at least seven (7) calendar days before the proposed operation and provide all required documentation and information. Requests involving complex operations, specialized equipment, elevated risk factors, or coordination with multiple stakeholders should be submitted a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance.  Applicants who are approved for recurrent operations are also required to notify the UAS Team before each flight. Notification procedures will be provided to the applicant upon approval.

Liability Insurance

Visitors and unaffiliated individuals are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 UAS liability coverage.  The Certificate of Insurance (COI) must name "University of Houston" as an additional insured with a waiver of subrogation endorsement.  

Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee approval. All proposed UAS operations are subject to review and must receive approval from the University before any flight activity may occur.

Visitors - Unaffiliated Application

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. The drone should be inventoried in the UHS property management system and contain an ID label with the information of the applicable university department. 

2. The drone should already be Remote ID compliant. If it isn't, you will need to purchase a broadcast module to affix to it.

2. Set up an account and register the drone with the FAA via DroneZone.  The drone should be registered under the applicable university and department. Cost is $5 per drone and is good for three years. The registration number must be affixed to the outside of the drone.

3. Contact Risk Management to have the drone added under the System's liability policy.

4. Submit an Application to the UAS Team (drones@central.uh.edu) for review at least four days in advance of a planned operation.

Yes, at minimum, liability coverage is required. Departments should contact Risk Management to have their drone added to the policy. Additional coverage for physical damage may also be purchased under the policy. Premiums will be the responsibility of the department. Exceptions may be permitted only with the approval of Risk Management.  
You should notify the UAS Team of your plans, but if you are a licensed pilot using a UH-owned/insured drone to perform research-related activity and you have documented permission from the land owner/property manager where you plan to operate, you do not need to submit an application. 
No. Personal drones are excluded from System insurance coverage. Any exceptions will require review and approval by Risk Management and are granted only under limited circumstances.
No. Due to the busy airspace above us and our bustling campus below, recreational drone operations are not allowed on central campus. 
Yes.  The UAS Team will take the information and coordinate with applicable university stakeholders to confirm that the area is available and safe for drone activity.
Submit an application, check the box to indicate it is a "recurring" request. Be sure to provide all the requested information on the form.  You must also be a licensed pilot. Once you are approved, you should email drones@central.uh.edu at least 24 hours before any planned activity. Exceptions can be made to this timeframe under certain conditions; contact the UAS Team for more information.
The UAS Team should be notified within 24 hours of any (non-emergency) incident or near miss, no matter how insignificant. Depending on the severity, additional notifications to the FAA and others may be required.
If you are actively witnessing a careless or dangerous drone situation, contact UHPD at 713-743-3333. Other, non-urgent concerns can be directed to the UAS Team.
Yes. Flights for research, business, or instructional purposes are permitted with the appropriate approvals (i.e. the building coordinator, event director, department head.)  Indoor flights are not regulated by the FAA, nor do they require an application.

 

Contact Us

For questions, or for more information regarding operating a drone on a University of Houston System property or registering a System-owned drone, contact:

Lori Percle
lapercle@central.uh.edu 
(713) 743-6798