Flying Requirements | Division of Research and Innovation

Requirements for Faculty and Students to Fly UAS

Faculty and Staff Requirements
Student Requirements

Requirements needed for faculty, staff and students to operate unmanned systems.
Who are you?	Why are you flying?	Requirements to fly
Faculty/Staff	Research/non-commercial/commercial	FAA Part 107 certification Flight reporting depending on COA or Part 107 use Register your drone with the FAA
Students	Course-sponsored activity	Part of 107 optional*
Student	Commercial	FAA Part 107 certificate Liability insurance Administration approvel for flights on campus or with OSU vehicles

Faculty & Staff Requirements

The following are required for faculty and staff flying for Research/non-commercial/commercial purposes:

FAA Part 107 certification
Flight reporting depending on COA or Part 107 use
Register your Drone with the FAA

Steps To Fly a UAS For Research

If you do not already own an aircraft, please contact the Export Control and International Compliance office before purchasing as the regulations and controls surrounding UAS' are constantly evolving (especially if you are working on a federally funded project).
Take and pass the FAA Part 107 UAS Knowledge Exam and obtain your Part 107 certification.

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

To be eligible to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be:

At least 16 years old
Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
Be in a physical and mental conditions to safely fly a UAS

Study for the Knowledge Test
Review Knowledge Test Suggested Study Materials provided by the FAA.

Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for the knowledge test.

Schedule an Appointment
Take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center

Complete FAA Form 8710-13
Once you have passed your test, for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) login the FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)* to complete FAA form 8710-13.

Review the full process to get your Remote Pilot Certificate.

Register your Drone with the FAA

Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. You'll need a credit/debit card and the make/model of your drone to register your drone with the FAA.

Create an account and register your drone at FAADroneZone
- Select "Fly UAS under Part 107"
Once you've registered, mark your drone with your registration number.
Beginning September 16, 2023, if your drone requires an FAA registration number it will also be required to broadcast Remote ID information (unless flown within a FRIA).
For more information, visit How to Register Your Drone.
If you have an international visitor flying their foreign-registered drone, please visit: International UAS Operators in the United States

Student Requirements

Educational Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Drones flown for educational purposes are regulated under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft or under the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rule.

Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft

49 U.S.C. § 44809 allows flying drones without complying with Part 107. Flying under section 44809 requires flying only for recreational purposes and compliance with all limitations listed in § 44809(a).

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules

Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107) is the primary regulation for flying drones weighing less than 55 pounds. Part 107 permits drones to be flown for many reasons, including work or business, recreation, education, or for public safety missions.

Students looking to operate an unmanned aircraft system for coursework must follow the OSU Recreational Use Policy and the FAA's Recreational UAS Policy.