Third Party Vendors

The University regularly contracts with third-party vendors for valuable services, including marketing, development, design, and construction services. At times, those services may require the use of UAS on or above University property. Third-party vendors contracted with the University must operate their UAS in accordance with FAA regulations, federal, state, and local laws, the applicable contract, and these guidelines while operating their UAS on or above University property.

Prior to operating a UAS on or above University property, third-party vendors must:

  1. Obtain flight approval from the Office of Institutional Risk Management.
  2. Submit a copy of your Remote Pilot Certificate (or other FAA authorization) to the Office of Institutional Risk Management.
  3. Submit proof of proper liability insurance for the operation of the UAS to the Office of Institutional Risk Management. Contact the Office of Institutional Risk Management to ensure you have the proper insurance. (riskadmin@syr.edu).
  4. Submit a detailed flight plan to the Office of Institutional Risk Management prior to operating UAS on or above University property. Drone Request Form Operations should not occur within 5 miles of an airport without prior approval from the airport.

During flight, third-party vendors must:

  1. Be supervised by the appropriate University contact at all times.
  2. Keep the UAS within the operator’s visual line-of-sight unaided by a visual enhancement device (e.g. binoculars).
  3. Register your UAS with the FAA prior to operating on, or above, University property if the UAS weighs more than 0.55 lbs.
  4. On or after 9/17/23 comply with Remote ID requirements.
  5. Avoid violations of privacy.
  6. Ensure the UAS weigh less than 55 pounds.
  7. Not interfere with any manned aircraft.
  8. Not be careless or reckless with your UAS. You could be fined by the FAA for endangering people, property or other aircrafts.
  9. For all Category 3 UAS, not operate the UAS over a crowd of people without informing every person in the crowd that you are operating the UAS.
  10. Not operate the UAS over any individual that is unaware you are operating the UAS.
  11. Report all incidents, including near misses, to the Office of Institutional Risk Management. The appropriate University contact must promptly report any property damage or injury to Risk Management (riskadmin@syr.edu ).
  12. Fly under 400 feet in elevation.