Unmanned Aircraft

Purpose, Goals, Scope, and Implementation

Purpose

Rapid advances in technology provide opportunities for the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also called unmanned aerial vehicles or "drones," as a tool for education, research, and outreach. All aircraft operating in the National Airspace System must follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations. The purpose of this policy is to provide clarity and a framework for UAS operations on the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Nebraska Medicine campus.

Goals

The goals of this policy are to support the use of UAS in education, research, and outreach within current laws and rules; protect the safety of the UNMC/Nebraska Medicine community; and ensure appropriate oversight for risk management of UAS operations on campus.

Scope

UNMC/Nebraska Medicine faculty, staff, students, and individuals operating UAS as part of UNMC/Nebraska Medicine activities at any location;
Individuals operating UAS purchased with funding through UNMC/Nebraska Medicine;
Individuals hired to perform services involving operation of UAS for UNMC/Nebraska Medicine;
Individuals operating UAS for hobby or recreation on or above UNMC/Nebraska Medicine property; and
Individuals operating UAS for commercial/business use and/or non-University purposes on or above UNMC/Nebraska Medicine property

Implementation

The Chancellor and Vice Chancellors will work with or have worked with personnel in Academic Affairs; Business and Finance; Research; Risk Management; Safety, or Security; and other areas to develop procedures to implement this policy, including additional restrictions, for UAS operations on or above UNMC- or Nebraska Medicine-owned or controlled property.

Requirements for UAS Operations

UNMC Activities or Purchased with UNMC Funds

UNMC Faculty, Staff, Students, and Individuals Operating UAS as Part of UNMC Activities or Purchased with UNMC Funds: Prior to operating UAS or seeking any required FAA authorization to operate UAS as part of UNMC activities at any location, the principal investigator/project leader must complete and submit required information to the designated campus authority and receive approval for each project. Operators must also follow the general requirements set forth in this section.

Requirements When Above UNMC Property

Individuals Conducting Services Involving the Operation of UAS for UNMC or Nebraska Medicine or Operating UAS for Commercial/Business Use and/or Non-University Purposes on or above UNMC/Nebraska Medicine Property: Individuals conducting services involving the operation of UAS for UNMC/Nebraska Medicine or operating UAS for commercial/business use and/or non-University purposes on or above UNMC property must complete and submit required information to the designated campus authority and receive approval prior to such proposed UAS operations. Prior to these operations, the individuals must also provide credentials and a certificate of insurance that shows adequate UAS liability insurance coverage and names the Board of Regents of the University as an additional insured. Additionally, operators must follow the general requirements set forth in this section.

General Requirements for UAS Operations

UAS operators must follow federal and state laws, FAA rules and regulations, and UNMC policies.
If the FAA requires authorization to operate UAS, all operators must obtain the applicable FAA authorization through an appropriate FAA designated method, such as a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA), Section 333 Exemption, or Special Airworthiness Certificate (SAC). The operator must provide evidence of such authorization to the designated campus authority.
UAS operations outside the United States as part of UNMC activities require export controls review.
If the UAS is involved in an accident causing injury to a person or property, the operator must report the accident immediately, but no more than two University business days, to the designated campus authority.

Operating UAS for Hobby or Recreation at the University

The Chancellor and Vice Chancellors will work with or have worked with personnel in Academic Affairs; Business and Finance; Research; Risk Management; Safety, or Security; and other areas to develop policies, implementation procedures, and required documentation, if any, related to UAS operations for hobby or recreational purposes on or above campus and other property owned or controlled by UNMC.

Prohibited UAS Operations

UAS operations as part of UNMC/Nebraska Medicine activities without submission of the required information and approval by the designated campus authority are prohibited.

UAS outdoor or indoor operations on or above the University that create undue hazard to the university community or the public are prohibited.
UAS operations on or above UNMC/Nebraska Medicine that monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information are prohibited, including. Prohibited areas include, but are not limited to an individual's workspace or computer; restrooms; changing, dressing, or locker rooms; residential rooms, hallways, or lounges; health treatment rooms; or daycare facilities.
UAS operations on or above the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) are prohibited due to helipad, unless granted an exception by the FAA.

Penalties for Violation of Policy

Any violations of University policies or student codes of conduct by an individual will be administered in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures. Individuals who violate this policy may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and the seizure of UAS by campus security. Fines, damages, and claims against individuals who violate this policy may be the responsibility of that individual.

Additional Information

Contact UNMC Safety or Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance.

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