Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS aka Drones)

UAS Operations Request

Prior to Submitting a Request

Please review the SDSU Unmanned Aircraft Policy 8.10.

Approval Process

Approval is required for any person or entity wishing to operate a UAS/drone on any property owned or operated by South ��ֱ�� State University (SDSU), an entity of the South ��ֱ�� Board of Regents (SDBOR). SDSU strives to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for the public as well as students, faculty and staff. This process is part of that commitment.

(These are the regulations to which our standard UAS operations must adhere.)
When submitting your request, please be sure to give ample time for review and questions.
- A minimum of 14 days is required.

In order to complete the UAS operations request you will need to be able to upload the following:

Proof of Operator Training (DOT/FAA Remote Pilot Certificate - front and back)
Proof of Observer Training
Emergency Response Plan and Accident Response Plan
Proof of Insurance

Additionally, you will need to be able to provide the following information:

UAS Platform (Fixed Wing, Rotary, etc.)
Manufacturer and model number
Gross Weight
Maximum Operational Range

Note: If the flight area is within five miles of an airport or registered helicopter pad, once approved by SDSU, you must alert them.

The links below will take you to a DocuSign form. This is the only way to submit a request. Incomplete requests will be returned, unapproved and a new application will need to be submitted.

Additional Information/Resources

is an education campaign founded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to educate prospective users about the safe and responsible operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Ban on Use of Certain Foreign Manufactured Drones in Federally Funded Research

Federal concerns over unmanned aerial vehicles or systems (collectively referred to as "UAS"), commonly referred to as drones, manufactured or assembled outside of the United States have led to promulgations of federal law and regulations restricting or prohibiting the purchase and use of select UAS on federally funded projects because the present a national security risk.

National Defense Authorization Act for 2024 – American Security Drone Act of 2023

The National Defense Authorization Act for 2024 (“Act”) incorporated provisions of the , Section 1825 in the Act states that “no federal funds awarded through a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement, or otherwise made available may be used (1) to procure a covered unmanned aircraft system that is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity; or (2) in connection with the operation of such a drone or unmanned aircraft system.”  Covered foreign entities are defined within the Act. There are limited exceptions to the requirements. This law will go into effect on December 22, 2025.

What does this mean for SDSU?

The use of federal funds awarded through contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements to purchase and/or operate foreign, commercial, off-the-shelf drones or unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled in or by a “covered” entity, most notably the People’s Republic of China, will be prohibited starting in December 2025. Covered foreign entities include other entities listed by the federal government through the Consolidated Screening List, Homeland Security, and others designated as a national security risk. While the restrictions and prohibitions lists can vary slightly, most commonly they apply to drone and UAS components manufactured in China, but could also include those manufactured in Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

If you are currently operating a drone under a federal grant that expires before December 22, 2025, the drone should remain compliant with the Act of 2023 until that date.

However, if your federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement extends into 2026, you should consider replacing the drone. If you will be applying for a federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement beginning for running past December 22, 2025, the UAS obtained must comply with the Act.

Additional updates and information will be provided, but you should keep these restrictions in mind when making purchases, writing proposals, and creating budgets that include UAS. 

When planning to purchase a drone, it is important to consider the potential limitations of procuring a drone covered under this Act, implementing regulations, and other laws. 

For any new drone acquisitions, please continue to submit the  to determine whether the UAS is prohibited or not under the Act and for UAS purchase approval.

To identify a UAS list that complies with Federal regulations, please visit .

We are in the process of evaluating SDSU Policy 8:10 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to ensure the university remains compliant with the most recent regulations. The updated policy will be published following the completion of the review and necessary modifications.

Any new purchases of UAS or modifications to the current inventory must be communicated to the Program Director of Research Integrity and Compliance. If you have questions, please contact Keiji Horikoshi by email or call 605-688-4027.

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