Drone Operations

Airport Administration recommends UAS operators visit Know Before You Fly and might consider the B4UFLY smartphone app from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  

Operators, considering operations on the University of Oklahoma property should familiarize themselves with the University's UAS Review Committee Guidelines and fill out the UAS Flight Application prior to operations.  

All UAS operations on OU Property require pre-approval.

UAS pilots are prohibited from operating within controlled airspace (which includes flights within 5 miles of the airport) unless a waiver and an airspace authorization are acquired through the FAA's Dronezone and the use of the LAANC System. Those flying drones for recreation may continue to fly below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace without specific certifications or preauthorization. It is important to note commercial UAS flights have more rules associated with their operations, and it is imperative that UAS pilots visit FAA Drone Zone to ensure compliance with FAA Guidelines and Regulations.

Violators of the rules and regulations are subject to being reported to law enforcement and/or the FAA.  Please help keep our skies safe by following the rules and regulations set forth by the FAA.

LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between the FAA and Industry.  It directly supports UAS integration into the airspace.

LAANC provides:

• Drone Pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet.
• Air traffic Professionals with visibility into where and when drones are operation.

Through the UAS Data Exchange, the capability facilitates the sharing of airspace data between the FAA and companies approved by the FAA to provide LAANC  services.  The companies are known as UAS Service Suppliers - and the desktop applications and mobile apps to utilize the LAANC capability are provided by the UAS Service Suppliers (USS).

LAANC System is required prior to any commercial or recreational drone flight within five miles of the airport.

If you are planning an operation in controlled airspace that requires a waiver and an airspace authorization you must apply for both through the FAA's Dronezone.

Drone pilots planning to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA before they fly.

The LAANC capability is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107, OR under the exception for Recreational Flyers.

Access to the capability is provided through one of the FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers listed below.  There are two ways to use LAANC:

• To receive a near real-time authorization for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports. (available to Part 107 and Recreational Flyers)
• To submit a "further coordination request": if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in the UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet.  A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required, and applicants may apply up to 90 days in advance of a flight and the approval is coordinated manually through the FAA.  (available to Part 107 pilots only)

To qualify under Part 107,  you must register your drone and hold a Remote Pilot Certificate.

To qualify for a Recreational Flyer, you must register your drone and follow the FAA guidelines.

Click here for LAANC Service Suppliers