Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Â鶹´«Ã½’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, also known as "drones") program promotes safe, responsible, and respectful drone operations on Â鶹´«Ã½ property by providing guidance and requirements to staff, faculty, students, visitors, contractors, and pilots.
Effective December 22, 2025, a federal ban will prohibit the purchase and operation of drones manufactured or assembled by certain foreign entities for federally funded University projects. Learn more.
To request commercial or non-recreational drone flight approval on, above, or inside Â鶹´«Ã½ property, please complete the flight request form below with at least 48 hours of advance notice. Do not attempt to complete this form unless all applicable requested items below are available.
- Pilot in Charge (PIC) contact information (i.e., phone and email) and FAA license number
- Drone weight and FAA registration number
- Pre-approval from for flights over athletics fields
- Upload the following documentation:
- FAA PIC license, including proof of training for night flights
- FAA waivers, as applicable
- Flight plan map indicating all areas of operation
- Certificate of Insurance (COI) and contract if the PIC is a contractor or vendor
- A written safety plan for indoor flights or flights that will impact walkways or roadways, which must include procedures to ensure no conflict between people, equipment, and property; a plan for all drone movements and flight paths; established safe speeds and distances to people, equipment, and property; access control plan for the operating area; and emergency procedures (e.g., collisions, malfunctions).
Program Highlights
- Responsibilities
- Pilot and drone requirements
- Drone operations and approved flight areas
- Flight notification and approval requirements
Documents
For additional information, please contact ehs@northwestern.edu.