The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates all activity in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS), which is the airspace between the ground and upper limits of navigable space. Drones are considered aircraft and, as such, are regulated by the FAA. The information provided below is intended as an overview of applicable FAA drone regulations and guidance. Consult the FAA website in order to become familiar with the regulations and guidance that govern specific drone flight types.
Contact the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Research Security & Trade Compliance for additional information about drone operations or the procedures associated with them.
- FAA Regulation and Guidance Overview
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The default FAA rule for operating drones that weigh less than 55 pounds is 14 CFR Part 107, also referred to as the Small UAS Rule. Commercial drone operators must adhere to the Small UAS Rule, but all small drone flights regardless of type are subject to Small UAS Rule safety guidance. Individuals who fly drones under Part 107 are required to become an FAA-certified drone pilot and to register their drone(s) with the FAA. Flights involving drones that weigh more than 55 pounds require an exemption under the Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems, which can be found in 49 U.S.C. 44807.
Drones flown for educational and research purposes may be operated under the Small UAS Rule or the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft for qualifying educational institutions. The University of Pittsburgh is a qualifying educational institution under the Limited Exception. The Limited Exception is described in 49 U.S.C. 44809, which defines how, when, and where individuals can fly drones weighing less than 55 pounds for the aforementioned purposes. The FAA updates this guidance on a regular basis, so drone pilots who utilize the Limited Exception should consult it frequently to familiarize themselves with any revisions.
Drones flown for FAA-defined recreational purposes are subject to the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft, as described in 49 U.S.C. 44809. The Limited Exception outlines the safety and operational guidelines associated with such flights, including the relationship between the FAA and community-based organizations in that context. The FAA updates this guidance on a regular basis, so drone pilots who fly for recreational purposes should consult the guidance frequently to familiarize themselves with any revisions.
- Additional FAA Drone Requirements and Information
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The FAA requires that drone pilots take and pass one of the following tests based upon how the drone will be used:
Recreational flyers must take and pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and provide proof of passage if requested by a law enforcement official or FAA personnel. All other drone pilots must take and pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.The FAA website also offers information about airspace restrictions (including No Drone Zones) and the B4UFLY App that provide real-time information about airspace restrictions and other flying requirements based on an individual’s location.
- Beginning September 16, 2023, all drone pilots who are required to register their drones must confirm that their drone contains remote ID technology, which allows the drone to provide identification and location information while in flight.
The FAA requires the following in terms of drone registration and remote IDs:
All drones weighing more than .55 pounds flown in the NAS must be registered with the FAA and marked appropriately.