Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Flight Application

In accordance with Texas A&M University System Regulations 24.01.01, Risk Management Programs, and 24.01.07, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), all faculty, staff, students, and visitors wishing to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System ("drone") on Texas A&M University-Texarkana property must receive approval from the campus Supervising Authority BEFORE flying for any purpose.

To apply, please fill out the flight application. Once the application is filled out correctly, it will be submitted to the Supervising Authority for review. Please allow up to 3 business days for approval.

The rules for operating an unmanned aircraft depend on why you want to fly.

The rules for operating an unmanned aircraft
	Fly for Fun	Fly for Work
Pilot Requirements	No pilot requirements	Must have Remote Pilot Airman Certificate Must be 16 years old Must pass TSA vetting
Aircraft Requirements	Unless exclusively operated in compliance with Section 336 of Public Law 112-95 (Special Rule for Model Aircraft), the aircraft must be registered if over 0.55 lbs.	Must be less than 55 lbs. Must be registered if over 0.55 lbs. (online) Must undergo pre-flight check to ensure UAS is in condition for safe operation
Location Requirements	5 miles from airports without prior notification to airport and air traffic control	Class G airspace*
Operating Rules	Must ALWAYS yield right of way to manned aircraft Must keep the aircraft in sight (visual line-of-sight) UAS must be under 55 lbs. Must follow community-based safety guidelines Must notify airport and air traffic control tower before flying within 5 miles of an airport	Must keep the aircraft in sight (visual line-of-sight)* Must fly under 400 feet* Must fly during the day* Must fly at or below 100 mph* Must yield right of way to manned aircraft* Must NOT fly over people* Must NOT fly from a moving vehicle*
Example Applications	Educational or recreational flying only	Flying for commercial use (e.g. providing aerial surveying or photography services) Flying incidental to a business (e.g. doing roof inspections or real estate photography)
Legal or Regulatory Basis	Public Law 112-95, Section 336 – Special Rule for Model Aircraft FAA Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft	Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulation (14 CFR) Part 107

In addition to the above, the following rules must also be observed when flying on Texas A&M University-Texarkana property:

Keep a distance of at least 50 feet from Bringle Lake Village in all directions.
Keep a distance of at least 50 feet from construction areas on campus in all directions.
Keep a distance of at least 50 feet from any other building on campus in all directions.
Do not fly over people.
Only fly during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).