News

FAA Announces New UAS Rules

On December 28, 2020 the FAA announced new rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS or drones) that will require Remote Identification and, in certain circumstances, allow flight over people and at night.  The rules are currently effective.

Remote Identification

Remote ID is the ability of a drone to provide identification and location information while in flight.  The rule requires most drones operating in US airspace to broadcast information about the drone’s identity, location, altitude, control station and take-off location.  If you are required to register your drone, you will be required to comply with the rule.

There are three ways to meet the remote ID requirements:

  • operate a standard remote ID drone that has built in broadcast capability
  • operate a drone with a remote ID broadcast module installed on it
  • operate a drone without remote ID only in an FAA recognized identification area (FRIA)

Drone manufacturers must comply with the rule’s requirements of producing drones with remote ID capability on 9/17/22.  Drone pilots must meet the operating requirements of part 89 by flying a standard remote ID drone or equipping an existing drone with a broadcast module on 9/17/23.

For more information about the FAA’s remote ID rule please visit the FAA remote ID website.

Flying Over People/Flying at Night

The new rule regarding flying over people and routine operations at night is intended to eliminate the need for individual part 107 certificate of waivers for typical operations for those with a remote pilot certificate.  You will need to indicate on the done flight request form if you intend to fly at night or over people.

The ability to fly over people depends on the level of risk to those on the ground and is presented in 4 categories:

  • Category 1: small UAS are permitted to operate over people so long as they weigh .55 pounds or less, including all attachments, and contain no exposed rotating parts. Compliance with remote ID is required for sustained flights over open-air assemblies.
  • Category 2: applies UAS weighing more than .55 pounds without an airworthiness certificate under part 21. The pilot must be able to demonstrate that injuries to a human being are within the rule’s limitations should an impact take place during a flight. The UAS must not contain any exposed rotating parts.  Compliance with remote ID is required for sustained flights over open-air assemblies.
  • Category 3: UAS in this category are subject to stricter safety requirements in regard to human injuries than category 2 and must not contain any exposed rotating parts. Compliance with remote ID is required for sustained flights over open-air assemblies and all those in the assembly site must be notified that a UAS may fly over them.
  • Category 4: any UAS with an airworthiness certificate under part 21 may operate over people so log as there are no limitations in the flight manual. Compliance with remote ID is required for sustained flights over open-air assemblies.

Night operations are allowed so long as the remote pilot in command has completed an updated initial knowledge test or online recurrent training and the UAS has lighted anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least 3 statute miles and a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.

For more information about the FAA’s rule about flying over people and at night please visit the FAA website.

Minors Program Registration Reminder

The University considers the safety and well-being of youth program participants to be important. As part of its commitment to provide an open and safe campus environment for all, including minors (those under the age of 18), the University needs to identify all programs, events and activities that serve, or otherwise engage, youth. This is a reminder to the community that virtual interactions with minors are included in this commitment.

Read more on news.syr.edu.

2021 Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Report Now Available

Every year, we release an informational report on drug and alcohol policy and services. This report is required of all universities, in compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act, to give campus community members information about substance use and abuse, and institutional policies and programs in place to provide intervention and support.

We hope you will take time to review this report because we believe that information, education and personal awareness are powerful tools to ensure your health and safety and that of others on campus.

The 2020 edition of the Syracuse University Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Report is now available online.

To request a print copy of the Syracuse University Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Report, please contact Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance at riskadmin@syr.edu or 315.443.4011. Once you submit your request, your print copy will be delivered within 10 days.

Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to make Syracuse University a safe and healthy place for living, learning and working.