Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Drones and other Model Aircraft

Op11.23 Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Drones and other Model Aircraft

The use of unmanned aircraft systems (commonly referred to as drones), as well as other remotely operated model aircraft (together referred to as “UAS” or “UASs") pose inherent risks to the health, security and privacy of the Missouri State University community and individuals in the surrounding community. Therefore, the recreational use of UAS is prohibited on all property owned or controlled by Missouri State University (including, without limitation, the entirety of the Springfield, Mountain Grove and West Plains campuses), or during university sponsored events.

Faculty, staff, students and outside vendors seeking to use a UAS for official university purposes, on or off of the university’s campuses (e.g., research, instruction, marketing) must submit an application for UAS use. Applicants must satisfy all Federal Aviation Administration requirements regarding the operation of the UAS, including the necessary pilot certification prior to UAS use. Additional information is available at the General Counsel’s website and at www.faa.gov/uas/. Requests for UAS use will be approved through the general counsel’s office and the department of university safety, in consideration of federal and state law regarding the operation and regulation of UASs.

Persons violating this policy will be subject to discipline under university policies, and may be subject to criminal and civil penalties and liability under federal and state law. Area law enforcement and emergency management agencies are exempt from the application requirement for official law enforcement and emergency response efforts. Any person who observes the use of any UAS on university property or at a university event should immediately notify the Springfield campus’ department of university safety at 417-836-5509 or the West Plain’s campus safety office at 417-255-7258.