UW–Madison encourages safe and lawful use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for research and instructional use. This policy helps researchers and instructors meet the Federal Aviation Association’s rules for flying unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—better known as aerial drones—while also helping to protect privacy.
This policy applies to the operation of autonomous vehicles by faculty, staff, and students in connection with instructional, research, outreach, and other institutional uses on or off campus, as well as all uses of unmanned aircraft systems or ultralight aircraft by any person or organization on or in any lands or facilities owned by, leased by, or otherwise under the control of the UW. This policy applies to operations in both indoor and exterior spaces and in connection with UW activities whether occurring within the U.S. or internationally. This policy does not apply to unmanned aircraft system operations by the UW–Madison Police Department or other first responder operations conducted in accordance with applicable law.
UW–Madison faculty, staff, students, contractors, and affiliates seeking to operate autonomous vehicles, including unmanned aircraft systems and ultralight aircraft, for UW-related education, research, and non-academic purposes must submit pilot and flight applications in ARROW (Application Review for Research Oversight at Wisconsin) to the Research Vehicle Safety Oversight Committee for review no less than 30 days in advance of the first proposed flight date.
For safety and privacy reasons, drone operations by students, employees, or visitors for recreational or hobbyist purposes are still not permitted on UW–Madison premises. Drone operations by registered student organizations and by students in connection with UW–Madison coursework, are eligible to be considered for approval under this policy as instructional uses.
UW–Madison does not allow faculty, staff, students, or contractors to use autonomous vehicles on UW–Madison premises or in connection with UW–Madison activities without approval. UW–Madison defines autonomous vehicles to include unmanned aircraft systems and ultralight aircraft. For UW-related education, research, and non-academic purposes, individuals must submit applications for pilot and flight approval to the Research Vehicle Safety Oversight Committee for review no less than 30 days in advance of the first proposed flight date. Unmanned aircraft system operations by students, employees, or visitors for recreational or hobbyist purposes are not permitted on UW–Madison premises under this policy. Once approved as a pilot by the university to operate unmanned aircraft systems or ultralights, individuals must also apply for approval of each flight. All autonomous vehicles operated on UW–Madison premises or in connection with university-related activities must be operated by an individual who has the requisite certifications and experience necessary to conduct the research vehicle operation lawfully and safely.
Unmanned aircraft system operations by registered student organizations and/or by students in connection with UW–Madison coursework are eligible to be considered for approval under this policy as instructional uses. Unmanned aircraft system operations by third parties for marketing/promotional purposes are not permitted under this policy and should be directed to University Marketing. Contractors seeking approval must submit the Planning, Design, or Construction Contractor Request for Authorization to Operate UAS on UW Lands to Campus Planning and Landscape Architecture.
Recreational or hobbyist unmanned aircraft operations by students, employees, or visitors are not permitted on UW–Madison premises. The university also adheres to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and does not allow the following without waivers:
For safety and privacy reasons, drone operations by students, employees, or visitors for recreational or hobbyist purposes are still not permitted on UW–Madison premises. Drone operations by registered student organizations and by students in connection with UW–Madison coursework, are eligible to be considered for approval under this policy as instructional uses.
Pilot and flight applications for research and instructional use of drones should be submitted through ARROW.
If you are flying within five miles of a hospital heliport, you can fly an unmanned aircraft only if it is safe to do so. As a pilot, you must:
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