UW–Madison  faculty, staff, students, contractors, and affiliates seeking to operate  unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and ultralight aircraft for UW-related education, research, and non-academic purposes must submit pilot and flight applications in ARROW (Application Review for Research Oversight at Wisconsin) to the Research Vehicle Safety Oversight Committee for review no less than 30 days in advance of the first proposed flight date. UW–Madison does not allow faculty, staff, students, or contractors to use drones or ultralight aircraft on UW–Madison premises or in connection with UW–Madison activities without approval.

For safety and privacy reasons, drone operations by students, employees, or visitors for recreational or hobbyist purposes are still not permitted on UW–Madison premises. Drone operations by registered student organizations and by students in connection with UW–Madison coursework, are eligible to be considered for approval under this policy as instructional uses.

All drones and ultralights operated on UW–Madison premises or in connection with university-related activities must be operated by an individual who has the requisite certifications and experience necessary to conduct the research vehicle operation lawfully and safely. In addition, after March 16, 2024, drones must be equipped with a remote ID, a remote ID broadcast module, or operate in a FAA authorized identification area (FRIA). For drone operations conducted under the Operations Over People Rule or operations which require a waiver from the FAA, the requisite certification is a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and documentation of completion of the applicable Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent online course. For all other drone operations conducted by UW personnel, a FAA TRUST Certificate is considered a requisite certification. Pilots operating under TRUST Certificates are responsible for being knowledgeable of and adhering to the FAA’s TRUST Certificate restrictions, including line-of-sight flights only.

Drone operations by third parties for marketing/promotional purposes are not permitted under this policy and should be directed to the Office of Strategic Communication. Contractors seeking approval must submit the Planning, Design, or Construction Contractor Request for Authorization to Operate UAS on UW Lands to Campus Planning and Landscape Architecture. All contractors and other third-party operators must possess a current Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Prohibited Activities

• Drone and ultralight operations in violation of applicable FAA requirements are prohibited.  
• Drone operations in violation of Wisconsin laws are prohibited, including the possession of a weaponized drone (§941.292, Wis. Stats.), the use of a drone to invade an individual’s privacy (§942.10, Wis. Stats.), the operation of a drone over a correctional institution (§114.045, Wis. Stats.), and the use of a drone to interfere with lawful hunting, fishing, and trapping activities (§29.083(2), Wis. Stats.).
• Drone operations which may only be conducted under the Operations Over People Rule or which require an FAA waiver are prohibited unless the pilot possesses a current Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and has completed the applicable Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent online course, and the operation otherwise complies with the relevant provisions of the Operations Over People Rule.

Flying Near a Hospital Heliport

If you are flying within five miles of a hospital heliport, you can fly a drone or ultralight only if it is safe to do so. As a pilot, you must:

• Notify the operator of the heliport and resolve any safety concerns.
• Not interfere with manned aircraft.
• See and avoid manned aircraft at all times

ARROW (Application Review for Research Oversight at Wisconsin)

Autonomous Vehicle Guidance

Unmanned Aircraft System Applications

Student Organization Guidance

FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems

FAA Remote ID

FAA Operations Over People

FAA Final Rule Operations Over People

FAA Part 107 Waivers

Airspace Authorizations

B4UFLY