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:

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.

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.  

Faculty/Staff/Students

Faculty, staff, and students must submit the appropriate 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.

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.

Applications

Faculty, Staff, and Students Application

Visitors - Unaffiliated Application

Additional Information

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

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