UAS Procedures

The following procedures outline the classification, details, and process regarding the usage of an unmanned aircraft system, UAS, at the University of North Texas.

To Acquire a UAS for UNT Employees or Units

  1. UNT Units will need to notify Risk Management Services (RMS) to express intentions and begin the process of acquiring a UAS.
  2. To notify RMS, the department will fill out the first page of the UAS Use Permit Application.
    1. When you have downloaded and filled out the first page of the form above (subsequent pages are for use by UAS pilots/operators and RMS staff) please email it to RMS@unt.edu.
    2. This introductory form will allow RMS to provide follow-up discussions on the usage and intentions of acquiring a UAS.
    3. RMS will provide the established point-of-contact an introductory packet which will consist of:
      • UAS Policy, Unmanned Aircraft System, 15.016
      • UAS Usage Procedures
      • UAS Usage Flowchart
      • FAA Safety Briefing: You & UAS
      • Any other helpful tips and contact information
  3. The department will proceed to purchase or manufacture a UAS.
  4. Upon receipt of the UAS, the department will need to tag and inventory the equipment by contacting UNT Property Management.
    1. Email: property.management@unt.edu
    2. Phone: (940) 565-2392

UAV Registration

For all Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles, UAV weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and flown outdoors, the operator must register the UAV with the Federal Aviation Administration.

  1. UAV’s weighing less than 55 pounds must be registered online at: https://registermyuas.faa.gov/.
  2. Upon FAA registration, a number will be provided for the UAV.
  3. UAV’s weighing more than 55 pounds must be registered in accordance with Traditional Aircraft Registration requirements under 14 CFR Part 47. For more information, visit https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/UA/
  • UNT Units must inform RMS prior to registering UAV’s weighing more than 55 pounds.

If the UAS will be operated outdoors, the FAA registration number must be placed on the UAV.

Determine Classification of UAS Operations

UAS operations can be categorized into the following four classifications.

Recreational Operation

Personal recreational operation of a UAS is not permitted on UNT property unless: UAS operations are in conjunction with a UNT-sponsored event, and prior review and approval from RMS as outlined in section UAS Use Permit Application has been completed.

Educational Operation

The educational use of a UAS is permitted on UNT property when conducted as part of students’ coursework; with approval from RMS as outlined in section UAS Use Permit Application.

For research and experimental flights, see commercial operation requirements below.

Indoor Operation

Indoor use of UAS is permitted on UNT property or UNT-sponsored activities off campus; with approval from RMS as outlined in section UAS Use Permit Application.

Commercial Operation

Commercial UAS operations are permitted by a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) and in compliance with FAA regulations; with approval from RMS as outlined in section IV, UAS Use Permit Application.

RPIC refers to the licensed pilot solely responsible for the safe operations of a UAS. An RPIC may only fly or be responsible for one aircraft at a time.

Once the classification for operation has been determined, the UAS operator will need to obtain required licenses for qualifications to fly.

  1. Licenses are valid for one or two years, based on the pilot certification.
  2. The necessary actions to obtain licenses and qualifications will be provided in the introductory packet from RMS.
  3. RMS can be contacted at by email or phone.

FAA airspace authorization

FAA airspace authorization must be obtained as needed for commercial outdoor activities.

  1. FAA airspace authorization is mandatory when a UAS is operated outdoors within five miles of an airport.
  2. The UAS operator must request and obtain a Certificate of Authorization, COA, from the FAA.
  3. A copy of the COA must be sent to RMS.
  4. The RPIC must notify the airport(s) within five miles of the operation site.

Note: UNT is approximately three miles from the Denton Enterprise Airport.

The UAS pilot must obtain permission for UAS operations on private property as necessary.

UAS Use Permit Application

  1. The first steps within these procedures are treated as pre-work before completion of the UAS Use Permit Application.
  2. The UAS Use Permit Application can be found at UAS Use Permit Application.This includes the pages that will need to be filled out by the pilot/operator of the UAS, information about the UAS and more.
  3. The UAS Use Permit Application must be completed and submitted to RMS@unt.edu at least two weeks in advance of the proposed use of the UAS.
  4. Review and approval of the UAS Use Permit Application by RMS must be granted prior to any UAS operation on UNT property or at any UNT-sponsored events.
  5. The requestor will receive a response from RMS within 10 business days of submission. An incomplete form will delay processing.
  6. If UAS use is research related, RMS will submit the UAS Use Permit Application to Export Control for review.
  7. Once reviewed and approved by RMS, a UAS Use Permit will be granted.
  8. The UAS Use Permit is valid for one calendar year and is limited to the UAS(s) and personnel identified in the permit.
  9. To renew the UAS Use Permit with RMS or to make any changes, applicants must resubmit the UAS Use Permit Application.

Third-Party Usage

Third-party requests to operate a UAS on UNT property for media use must receive approval from the Division of University Brand Strategy and Communications (UBSC). Click here to go to their website.

UBSC will work with the third-party to complete the UAS Use Permit Application and obtain a UAS Use Permit.