Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – Drones
Unmanned Aircraft Systems also known as Drones are gaining popularity in education, research, safety operations, commercial purposes and recreation. UAS provides opportunities for a wide range of industries including education, security, emergency response, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, healthcare, weather forecasting, waste management, military defense, energy, telecommunications, maritime, Internet, agriculture, air travel, space and many more. Drones offer the advancement of research and innovation in all of these industries.
Due to our close proximity to Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), flight operations are complex and requires planning and preparation. We must operate drones in a safe manner and must be complaint with FAA rules and regulations.
All personnel, including faculty, staff, and students or third party (contracted vendor) wishing to operate UA (i.e., drones) on Florida Tech property, or as part of the Florida Tech activity must request prior approval and register with the Office of Compliance and Risk Management for compliance and insurance purposes. UA operations are not permitted until approval is granted. Operator must read and comply with the Florida Tech UAS policy. The policy applies to Florida Tech operations both on and off campus. Violating campus policies can result in disciplinary actions.
University-owned drone flights for Florida Tech operations both on and off campus, require approval when submitting the application. Approval will require submission of a flight plan, including date, time and duration of flight, as well as the operational area. Operator must request prior approval from the Office of Risk Management at least two weeks in advance of the proposed use of the UAS by using the UAS (Drone) Use Application.