Drones Policy

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Requirements

Flying your UAVs for recreational, academic or business purposes is allowed under FAA regulations but must be operated safely. All UAVs flown on Clemson University property or owned by Clemson University are subject to the requirements below. No UAVs may be flown without approval from the Office of Emergency Management.

To start the approval process, submit copies of the following materials to the Office of Emergency Management at least 48 business hours prior to the desired flight:

• UAV Registration
• Remote ID
• FAA Part 107 License
• Certificate of insurance showing $1,000,000 liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage
• On-Site Contact Name and phone number
• Contractors must be sponsored by a Clemson University department. The sponsoring departmental name and contact information should be submitted prior to the flight.
• Public Safety Agencies flying for work-related purposes should, whenever feasible, coordinate with Clemson University Emergency Management for UAV flights.

All UAV Pilots must adhere to the following guidelines:

• The main campus of Clemson University is located near a relatively busy General Aviation Airport
• Follow safety guidelines specific to the UAV in operation
• Conduct a pre-flight inspection of the UAV to be used
• Fly during daylight hours
• Stay under 400 feet above ground level (Unless flying within a 400 ft radius of a structure; do not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure’s uppermost limit)
• Fly at less than 100mph
• Do not fly from a moving vehicle
• Yield right of way to manned aircraft
• Keep the UAV within visual sight
• Do not fly over people or large crowds/gatherings

Clemson University Home Football Game Days

On Clemson University Home Football days, 1 hour prior to kick off until 1 after the official end of game, FAA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) 0/0367 is in effect for all of Clemson University Main Campus. Use of a UAV on main campus during the TFR is an FAA violation. No UAV flights will be approved on home football game days.

Requests for UAV flight approval can be sent to emergency@clemson.edu.