Drone operations on University of Pittsburgh owned or leased property are permitted if drone operators adhere to current FAA guidance; any applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and University of Pittsburgh policies. However, certain activities are explicitly restricted or prohibited by the University of Pittsburgh and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Contact the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Trade Compliance (OTC) for additional information about drone operations or the procedures associated with them.
- University of Pittsburgh Drone-Activity Restrictions
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The University of Pittsburgh Drones Policy restricts drone activities on University of Pittsburgh owned and leased property in the following manner:
- For safety and privacy reasons, drones may not be operated within any University owned or leased facility without explicit permission from the OTC.
- Drones may not be used to monitor or record areas where a reasonable expectation of privacy of those individuals occupying or using an outdoor or indoor space can be expected.
- Drones may not be used to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personally identifiable information.
Any individual who operates a drone in a manner that violates the University of Pittsburgh Drones Policy may be subject to disciplinary action that is consistent with University of Pittsburgh policies.
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Drone-Activity Restrictions
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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania forbids certain drone activities (Title 18 §3505, and Title 53 §305) state-wide:
- Individuals cannot intentionally or knowingly operate a drone to conduct surveillance of another person in a private place.
- Individuals cannot operate a drone in a manner that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury.
- Individuals cannot operate a drone to deliver, provide, transmit, or furnish contraband.
- Local municipalities cannot create laws or ordinances regarding ownership or operation of drones unless expressly authorized by the Commonwealth.
- Individuals cannot operate a drone within state parks except at designated flying sites in six specific parks.
Any individual who operates a drone in a manner that violates applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.