The term Drone is commonly used to refer to any Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Unmanned Aerial System (UAS).

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is defined as a “powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload”.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) “is an unmanned aircraft and the equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of that aircraft”.

Drone operators are required to complete the following 14 days before flying drones for University-related, or recreational, purposes:

• Obtain approval from Risk Management and Insurance by submitting a UAV Flight Request Form to risk_mgmt@cornell.edu
• Review the Cornell University UAV Guidelines
• See the FAA information about Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
• Notify Cornell Division of Public Safety, Rebecca Drake (rad349@cornell.edu) or Andrew Churchman (adc245@cornell.edu) (607-255-1111) the day before the day of your flight.

Drones For Educational Users

All drone operations performed in connection with Cornell activities must be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Part 107 (14 CFR part 107) is the primary law for flying drones that is less than 55 pounds. A drone can be flown under part 107 rules for many reasons, including business, recreation, or education.

Faculty, staff, and students operating UAVs for educational purposes must follow all Cornell University UAV Guidelines as well as the FAA guidelines for Educational Users.