Quick Reference and Facts Regarding Drones and UAS Use
Welcome to our quick information sheet regarding the use of small UAS (Unmanned Aviation
Systems) also referred to as drones.
The intent of this document is to provide a quick reference guide to those thinking about using
UAS equipment on or near University grounds or facilities. This includes UAS operation as part
of organized activities of Purdue University as well as private, recreational use of these aircraft
by student, staff and faculty as well as commercial drone operations. This document is not
intended to be all encompassing or an authority or guide on the legal use of UAS equipment.
Materials supplied are simply a listing of what is believed to be the most relevant information
and resources to guide some users of UAS equipment. Readers should note that laws, both
Federal and State, are in a state of constant change. Readers of this material and users of UAS
equipment should be aware that it is illegal to use such equipment contrary to current laws and
significant fines, penalties, and personal liability may accrue to violators of the law.
The University is currently working to create a formalized procedure regarding the use of UAS
equipment on or near campus. In the interim, it was thought that a quick reference sheet
might assist members of the Purdue community.
Quick Reference and Facts You Should Know
 FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Information
 Congress has asked the FAA to create rules for commercial drone use. Rules are
under development and review, but may take quite some time to be issued.
 Currently, the commercial use of drones is limited in the United States, which
has left professional photographers, filmmakers, real estate agents, farmers,
educators and others angling for space in a highly restricted yet largely
uncharted marketplace. Purdue University is considered by the FAA to be a
commercial operator regardless of the intended or actual use of the aircraft.
 Commercial users must apply to the FAA for either an exemption from the
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) or obtain from the FAA a Certificate of
Authorization (COA) in order to operate legally.
 Hobbyists cannot fly model aircraft or drones for pay or commercial purposes.
 The FAA currently has multiple recommendations for operating model aircrafts
or UAS, and few actual regulations: In October FAA prohibited drones flying near
or over larger sports stadiums or heavily populate events and auto race tracks
for national security reasons. Model aircraft operators must comply with FAA
issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) which address operations near locations
such as military or other federal facilities, certain stadiums, power plants,
electric substations, dams, oil refineries, national parks, emergency, services and
other industrial complexes.
 The FAA specifically prohibits ALL drone operations commencing one hour before
the scheduled time of the event until one hour after the end of the event within a 3
nautical mile radius (3.5 statute miles) of any stadium having a seating capacity of
30,000 or more people where an NCAA division one football game is occurring. This
includes Ross-Ade Stadium. It does NOT include Mackey Arena, or any other Purdue
sporting venue.
 Recreational drone use and model airplane operations are restricted at all times
within 5 miles of airports.
 Model aircraft and small UAS (sUAS) are defined as devices that weigh 55 lb. or
less. Operation of aircraft that weigh more than 55 pounds is prohibited without
a COA.
 Without a COA, model aircraft and drones are prohibited from flying more than
400 feet above the ground and must remain within line of sight of the operator
at all times.
 Unless specifically approved by the FAA (through the issuance of a COA),
recreational drones must be operated in accordance with several additional
requirements, including a community-based set of safety guidelines published by
a nationwide community-based organization such as the Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA). The AMA, the Small UAS coalition and other drone groups
have put together a website that describes additional operating restrictions such
as flying over persons and populated areas, use of drones for surveillance, etc.
The URL for this website is http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/
 While the commercial use of drones continues to be restricted, the FAA has
granted several hundred special waivers (COAs) in the last year. The process to
obtain a COA is lengthy and complicated.
 Currently no licensing or training is required to operate UASs by hobbyist. A
pilot’s certificate is required to operate drones commercially. Note-this may
change at any moment.
 As of December 2015, the FAA will require the formal registration of most
recreational and commercially operated UASs.
Readers should note the Purdue West Lafayette Campus is adjacent to a general aviation
airport (Purdue Airport). As a result, and per FAA rules, UAS/drone use is restricted on the
entire West Lafayette Campus as well as over most of Lafayette and West Lafayette.
 Indiana Laws and Acts
 Indiana's law also includes a provision that potentially criminalizes drone usage if
the pilot takes video or pictures of another person or property without their
consent. I.C. 35-46-8.5-1, - See more at:
http://www.lexisnexis.com/legalnewsroom/public-policy/b/public-policy-lawblog/archive/2015/01/27/while-faa-regulations-stay-grounded-state-dronelaws-take-flight.aspx#sthash.AY4I3T4r.dpuf
 House Enrolled Act 1009 — requires police agencies obtain a search warrant
before using a drone, with some exceptions. Requiring that police have a search
warrant before using a drone unless it involves “exigent circumstances” that
would threaten life or public safety.
The blue circle is the 3 nautical mile restricted area around Ross-Ade stadium in effect
before, during and after football games where flights are completely banned. The red
circle is the 5 statue mile restriction in effect at all times around the Purdue University
airport.