Drone operations on University of Pittsburgh owned or leased property are permitted if drone operators adhere to current FAA guidance; any applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and University of Pittsburgh policies. However, certain activities are explicitly restricted or prohibited by the University of Pittsburgh and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Contact the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Research Security & Trade Compliance (ORSTC) for additional information about drone operations or the procedures associated with them.
- University of Pittsburgh Drone-Activity Restrictions
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The University of Pittsburgh Drones Policy restricts drone activities on University of Pittsburgh owned and leased property in the following manner:
For safety and privacy reasons, drones may not be operated within any University owned or leased facility without explicit permission from the ORSTC. Drones may not be used to monitor or record areas where a reasonable expectation of privacy of those individuals occupying or using an outdoor or indoor space can be expected.Any individual who operates a drone in a manner that violates the University of Pittsburgh Drones Policy may be subject to disciplinary action that is consistent with University of Pittsburgh policies.
Drones may not be used to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personally identifiable information.
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Drone-Activity Restrictions
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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania forbids certain drone activities (Title 18 §3505, and Title 53 §305) state-wide:
Individuals cannot intentionally or knowingly operate a drone to conduct surveillance of another person in a private place. Individuals cannot operate a drone in a manner that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury.Any individual who operates a drone in a manner that violates applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.
- Individuals cannot operate a drone to deliver, provide, transmit, or furnish contraband.
- Local municipalities cannot create laws or ordinances regarding ownership or operation of drones unless expressly authorized by the Commonwealth.
- Individuals cannot operate a drone within state parks except at designated flying sites in six specific parks.