Chances are, we’ve all been to an outdoor sporting event, concert, or gathering where drones are integral to capturing video and photo footage. Perhaps we know someone who’s received a drone for recreational use (and quickly lodged it in a tree at a park). But have you ever glanced out your window on campus and seen a drone hovering nearby?

It happens. Drones are used on campus to survey construction sites, check for needed facilities repairs, produce video and photo assets for official marketing needs, and even to ensure security measures are in place if high-risk situations present themselves. But on UAB’s campus, there are strict guidelines for who is allowed to operate drones, how they are allowed to operate, and for what purposes.

A “no fly zone” for recreational use

UAB’s campus airspace is registered with the FAA as a “no fly zone” for recreational hobbyist use. UAB’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy was designed to ensure drone usage complies with efficiency, safety, and ethical standards and in adherence with all applicable laws and regulations. All drone operators—whether they are students, employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, or visitors—must familiarize themselves with the policy to become approved for campus flights.

Requirements for acceptable use

Official UAB business and educational use is allowable. Before these uses are approved, however, drone operators are required to be licensed by the FAA, and they must register with UAB’s Campus Safety Office within the Environmental Health and Safety team.

“UAB has a permit for users who fly drones on campus,” said Robert Emmons of the Campus Safety Office. “To be in our airspace, users must apply for a specific purpose. Construction is probably our largest request, followed by Facilities. Sometimes we have marketing or communications projects. And for academic-related requests—if there’s a particular research project or a student group—we’ll allow that under certain circumstances.”

To become an approved operator, contact Emmons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Once approved, drone operators must submit requests at least three days in advance, with specific flight times and flight paths as part of the request.

Safety considerations

Below are a few safety considerations to keep in mind, whether you plan to operate a drone yourself or you see a drone on campus that raises concerns:

• Permits ensure that multiple unmanned aircraft systems are not sharing airspace.
• UAB’s medical district is frequented by medical helicopters delivering trauma patients. Helicopter pilots cannot see drones.
• Operators are not allowed to fly drones outside daytime hours.
• Operators are not permitted to fly drones where they cannot see them fly.
• Drones are not allowed to fly over unprotected people.

If you see a drone on campus that gives you cause for concern, call UAB Police and Public Safety’s nonemergency line, (205) 934-4434.

Bottom line

“You have to get permission from both the Federal Aviation Administration and UAB EHS-Campus Safety to fly,” said Sargeant Kevin Ballard of UAB Police and Public Safety. “Whether you’re flying a drone at 200 feet or 12 feet, you still have to get permission.”

The Campus Safety team is available to consult on drone purchases to guide authorized users. For more information, visit UAB’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy or contact Emmons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..