Piloting Drones

Flying Drones Over Ole Miss

Flying a drone over a college campus can provide unique opportunities, whether you're capturing breathtaking aerial footage for personal projects, conducting academic research, or assisting with campus marketing efforts. However, safety and compliance are paramount when operating drones in these spaces.

Guidelines for Drone Operators

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry partners promote the Know Before You Fly campaign to ensure drone operators fly safely and responsibly. If you plan to operate a drone on campus for recreational or hobby purposes, follow these important safety rules:

• Fly below 400 feet and stay clear of surrounding obstacles.
• Keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times.
• Avoid interfering with manned aircraft operations and stay well clear of them.
• Do not fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower beforehand.
• Avoid flying near people, stadiums, or large gatherings.
• Ensure your drone weighs 55 lbs or less.
• Never fly carelessly or recklessly; endangering others could result in fines or legal action.

For questions or additional guidance, contact 601-664-9800.

Register Your Drone

If you own a drone, it must be registered with the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Registry. This federal requirement has been in place since December 21, 2015, and failing to register could result in civil or criminal penalties.

Whether you’re flying to document campus life, explore unique perspectives, or assist in research, always ensure you’re operating responsibly and in full compliance with regulations.