Higher Education Unmanned Aircraft Systems Modernization Act

To authorize the operation of unmanned aircraft systems by institutions of higher education for educational and research purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Higher Education Unmanned Aircraft Systems Modernization Act 2. Operation of unmanned aircraft systems for educational and research purposes (a) In general Subtitle B of title III of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–95 49 U.S.C. 40101 337. Operation of unmanned aircraft systems for educational and research purposes (a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to the incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems into the plans and policies of the Federal Aviation Administration, including this subtitle and any regulations, policies, advisory circulars, or other materials promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this section, an institution of higher education may, within the United States, operate an unmanned aircraft system without the specific approval of the Federal Aviation Administration, and without registering the unmanned aircraft system with the Federal Aviation Administration, if the operation of that unmanned aircraft system meets the requirements of subsection (b). (b) Requirements The operation of an unmanned aircraft system by an institution of higher education meets the requirements of this subsection if— (1) the institution has established and adopted a policy relating to unmanned aircraft systems to ensure safe operation of such systems, which may be a policy of more general applicability in effect before the date of the enactment of this section, but that shall include— (A) designation of a point of contact at the institution for review and approval of operations of unmanned aircraft systems by the institution; and (B) the requirement that operations of unmanned aircraft systems by the institution be conducted under the supervision of an operator in command; (2) the point of contact for the institution designated pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) has— (A) been notified of the proposed operation of the unmanned aircraft system; (B) confirmed that the proposed operation is for educational or research purposes; (C) confirmed that the proposed operation is in accordance with all applicable policies of the institution of higher education, including any applicable policies regarding— (i) safety; (ii) training or supervision requirements; (iii) privacy; or (iv) any requirements to provide notice to or obtain the permission of the institution before conducting the proposed operation; (D) confirmed that the unmanned aircraft system will be operated under the supervision of an operator in command, who— (i) is trained in the safe operation of the unmanned aircraft system; (ii) will be present during the entire operation of the unmanned aircraft system; (iii) is prepared and able to take immediate control of the unmanned aircraft system; (iv) has full authority over, and responsibility for, the safety of the operation of the unmanned aircraft system; and (v) is responsible for ensuring that the individuals who will operate the unmanned aircraft system under the supervision of the operator in command have received proper training in the safe operation of the unmanned aircraft system; (3) the unmanned aircraft system— (A) is operated not higher than 400 feet above ground level; (B) is operated in a manner that will not create a hazard to persons or property; (C) is, if capable of sustained flight, marked with the identification and contact information of the owner; (D) does not survey, create a nuisance on, or overfly private property without the permission of the owner of the private property; (E) gives right of way to, and avoids flying in the proximity of, full-scale aircraft; (F) is operated at a site that is of sufficient distance from populated areas to protect the safety of persons and property; and (4) the institution of higher education notifies and obtains permission from air traffic control or, for small facilities, the airport manager, when the unmanned aircraft system will be operated within— (A) 5 statute miles of an airport around which the airspace is designated as class B or class C airspace under part 71 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; (B) 2 statute miles of any other airport or heliport; or (C) airspace designated as restricted or prohibited under part 73 of such title. (c) Form of notifications and permission The notifications and permission required under subsection (b)(4) may, if agreed to by the institution of higher education and air traffic control or the airport or heliport manager, as appropriate, be in the form of a written communication, to occur not less frequently than annually, regarding the locations and conditions for any intended operation of unmanned aircraft systems under this section. (d) Reporting of incidents involving personal injury or property damage If an unmanned aircraft system operated by an institution of higher education pursuant to this section is involved in any incident resulting in personal injury or property damage (other than to the unmanned aircraft system, to property of the institution, or to individuals directly involved in the operation of the unmanned aircraft system), the point of contact designated pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A) shall report the incident to the Federal Aviation Administration not later than 10 days after the incident. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Educational or research purposes The term educational or research purposes (A) instruction of students at the institution; (B) activities of student organizations recognized by or registered with the institution; and (C) activities undertaken by the institution as part of research projects, including research projects sponsored by the Federal Government. (2) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1001(a) . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents for the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 336 the following: Sec. 337. Operation of unmanned aircraft systems for educational and research purposes. .

Summary: Higher Education Unmanned Aircraft Systems Modernization Act This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to authorize an institution of higher education to operate an unmanned aircraft system within the United States without the specific approval of, and without registering the system with, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if: the institution has adopted a policy to ensure safe operation of such systems, which shall include the designation of a point of contact at the institution for review and approval of such operation and the requirement that such operation be conducted under the supervision of an operator in command; the point of contact has confirmed that the proposed operation is for educational or research purposes, is in accordance with applicable policies of the institution regarding safety, training or supervision requirements, privacy, and prior notice and permission, and will occur under the supervision of an operator in command; the system is operated not higher than 400 feet above ground level and in a manner that will not create a hazard to persons or property, is marked with the identification and contact information of the owner, does not survey, create a nuisance on, or overfly private property without the permission of the property owner, gives right of way to, and avoids flying in the proximity of, full-scale aircraft, and is operated at a site that is of sufficient distance from populated areas to protect the safety of persons and property; and the institution notifies and obtains permission, at least annually, from air traffic control or the airport manager (for small facilities) when the system will be operated within five statute miles of an airport around which the airspace is designated as class B or class C airspace, within two statute miles of any other airport or heliport, or within airspace designated as restricted or prohibited. If an unmanned aircraft system operated by an institution of higher education is involved in any incident resulting in personal injury or property damage (other than to the system, to property of the institution, or to individuals directly involved in the system's operation), the point of contact shall report the incident to the FAA within 10 days.