Environment,
Health &
Safety Services
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Operation
Document No: SA-31 Revision 01 Date: 2017-01-04
Approved By: EH&S Author: Mark S. Adams, PE
Table of Contents 1.0 Purpose ................................................................................................................................ 12.0 Scope ................................................................................................................................... 13.0 Responsibilities ................................................................................................................... 14.0 Important Operational Notes ............................................................................................... 25.0 Rules of Operation by Category ......................................................................................... 26.0 Emergencies ........................................................................................................................ 47.0 Applicable Guidelines and Resources ................................................................................ 58.0 Document Revision History ................................................................................................ 5
1.0 Purpose
The University at Buffalo (UB) will comply with current FAA regulations and best management practices to ensure the safety and privacy of UB students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In August 2016, FAA Rule 107 was published and this policy highlights the methods by which UB will achieve compliance. Any new governmental regulations will supersede UB policy statements when those regulations are more stringent.
2.0 Scope This policy applies to all persons operating a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) in airspace above UB property. This includes all three major campuses and off campus properties including Anderson Gallery, the President’s House, and others as listed at the FP&D Web site [link].
3.0 Responsibilities
3.1 Small UAS Operators
• Operators will be familiar with this policy. • Operators shall review the attached flowcharts to ensure they are
authorized to fly. • Conduct preflight inspection that includes the aircraft and control system
to ensure safe operation.
Unmanned Aerial Systems on UB Property, SA-31
Page 2 of 5
• Aircraft markings are required for all small UAS vehicles. These markings should allow determination of the operator’s name and contact information.
• Operators engaged in commercial or public entity use must wear high visibility garments (vest, shirt, jacket). Law enforcement activities are exempt from this provision.
3.2 UB Police
• Order operators to suspend operation that is not consistent with this policy or FAA rules.
3.3 UB Environment, Health & Safety • Maintain this policy and provide guidance to operators.
• Approve flight plans and experimental activities.
4.0 Important Operational Notes
1. Since all South Campus is within 5 miles of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, all pilots must request clearance from the FAA prior to flying.
2. Flights outside of the Safe Fly Zones (SFZ) as designated on the attached maps may only be performed by pilots who are FAA Certified.
3. All fights outside of an SFZ must have a flight plan that is approved by either EH&S or University Police.
4. UB does not have a process to allow flights under the Public Entity category. Exceptions may be made for police response, firefighting and hazmat operations. Flights on campus will be Recreational Use, Business Use, or under the Education Use agreement.
5.0 Rules of Operation by Category There are three categories of operation of small UAVs. They are Recreational use, Commercial/Business use, and Public Entity use. These are defined by FAA and full descriptions can be found at the Know Before Your Fly website.
5.1 Rules for all small UAVs: • Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) must be maintained for all flights. • Small UAVs may not operate over any persons not directly involved in the
operation of the vehicle. • Operators must obey any FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). • Flights must be limited to 400 feet altitude and no faster than 100 mph. • Daylight-only operations (civil twilight to dusk) are authorized. Official
sunrise and sunset times for Buffalo, NY shall be used and may be found at this Web site.
• Preflight inspections shall be performed. • Operation under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not allowed.
Unmanned Aerial Systems on UB Property, SA-31
Page 3 of 5
• Use the attached flowcharts to ensure compliance. • All crashes and injuries related to UAS operation shall be reported to
either UB Police or EH&S. • The South campus is within 5 miles of the Buffalo-Niagara Airport. All
proposed flights shall have a flight plan that is approved by Buffalo Air Traffic Control.
• Downtown campus flights originating from UB owned property are likely to occur for a very limited set of criteria including aerial photo survey of a building. All flights shall be registered at ehs.buffalo.edu. Flying over property not owned by UB is not covered by this policy. Pilots need to follow protocols as set forth by the appropriate property owner of the City of Buffalo.
4.2. Recreational Use
At UB, operation of a small UAS that is under 5-lb and operated within a designate Safe Fly Zone (SFZ) as shown on the attached maps is allowed without further review. Use the Recreational Use Flight flowchart to ensure compliance.
4.3. Educational Use Students may operate UASs in a manner consistent with the FAA legal interpretation dated May 5, 2016. The basic rules are as follows. 1. Protocols for recreational use must be followed. 2. Flights must be part of coursework and the majority of flying time must be
related to some academic goal, the purpose of which is not simply learning to fly. Acceptable operation can include aviation-related coursework or other educational purposes such as television, film or photography courses.
3. Demonstrations at UB events is allowed. 4. Flights should not be related to a faculty members’ professional duties or
compensation or collection of data for their research projects. 5. A course instructor can only provide minimal assistance to a student flying a
UAS. 6. A flight plan must be filed when flying outside of a Safe Fly Zone.
4.3. Commercial Use
The requirements for Commercial Use is expected to be the standard method of compliance for both commercial flight and flights by faculty and staff that might otherwise be accommodated under the Public Entity category. This is due to the difficulty in obtaining a blanket Certificate of Authorization that would cover all possible official University use cases. The Commercial Use rules are very straight forward. Remote Pilot requirements:
1. The pilot must be at least 16 years of age.
Unmanned Aerial Systems on UB Property, SA-31
Page 4 of 5
2. Must hold a remote pilot airman certificate with a small UAS rating or be under the direct supervision of someone holding a remote pilot airman certificate.
3. Must pass the applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) vetting.
4. The pilot, or company, must have a valid Certificate of Authorization covering their planned flights.
5.4 Public Entity Use: UB does not have a Certificate of Authorization (COA) in place to allow UAS flights by faculty or staff involved in research or other official duties. Any COA would require UB certification of pilots, descriptions of all planned activities and UAS types. The FAA does not have a process to manage multiple areas with multiple pilots. This policy will be updated as appropriate if progress is made towards obtaining a COA.
5.5 Indoor Flights Requests for indoor flights should be directed to EH&S for planning and approval.
6.0 Emergencies All emergencies at the University at Buffalo (North and South Campuses) shall be reported to UB Police. (DO NOT CALL 911 FROM NORTH OR SOUTH CAMPUS.) Emergencies include the following:
1. Auto crashes 2. Personal injury accidents 3. Fires 4. Requests for emergency medical services 5. Police issues such as theft of property 6. UAS crashes
All persons operating UASs on North or South campus should program the University Police number into their phones to ensure prompt reporting of emergencies. Emergency calls from off campus locations such as the Downtown Campus, Anderson Gallery, or the Darwin Martin House should go to 911.
Unmanned Aerial Systems on UB Property, SA-31
Page 5 of 5
Important UB Telephone Numbers:
All Emergencies (FIRE, EMS, POLICE) 716-645-2222
Blue Light Emergency Phones Pick up and speak Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) 716-829-3301
7.0 Applicable Guidelines and Resources 7.1 FAA Recommended guidelines for all UAS operators:
www.knowbeforeyoufly.org 7.2 University at Buffalo safety policies and guidance documents:
ehs.buffalo.edu 7.3 FAA B4UFLY app for iOS and Android
https://www.faa.gov/uas/where_to_fly/b4ufly/ 7.4 FAA Rule 107
https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf 7.5 FAA Request for Waiver
https://www.faa.gov/uas/request_waiver/
8.0 Document Revision History
Revision Section(s) Changed Change(s) Made: Date 00 First Issue 2017-01-04
Read Policy
Is UAS registered with FAA?
Register UAS prior to flying
Is UAS <55 lb? DO NOT FLY
Business/Commercial Use Flight
All pilots shall adhere to these FAA and UB
specific rules.▪ Remote pilot >16 years old,
FAA certificate in hand, TSA vetted.
▪ Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.
▪ Keep your sUAS within LOS at all times, and use an observer to assist if needed.
▪ Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.
▪ Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.
▪ Contact Buffalo ATC before flying on South Campus.
▪ Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.
▪ Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
▪ Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the sUAS.
▪ Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as the electrical substation, Baker Chilled Water Plant or Capen Hall.
▪ Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons outside of the Safe Fly Zones (SFZs).
Planning to fly?
Y
Y
Y
N
N
EH&S UAS PolicySA-031
Is the Remote
pilot qualified?
File flight plan with EH&S. Do not fly
w/o approval.
N
Report any operational
problems to UB Police and EH&S.
CRASHES or INJURIES?
Call UB POLICE716-645-2222
Read Policy
Is UAS registered with FAA?
Register UAS prior to flying
Is UAS <5lb?
File flight plan with EH&S. Do not fly
w/o approval.
Operating in a SFZ?
Notification not required; clear
to fly.
Recreational Use Flight
All pilots shall adhere to these FAA and UB
specific rules.▪ Fly no higher than 400 feet and
remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.
▪ Keep your sUAS in eyesight at all times, and use an observer to assist if needed.
▪ Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.
▪ Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.
▪ Contact Buffalo ATC before flying on South Campus.
▪ Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.
▪ Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
▪ Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the sUAS.
▪ Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as the electrical substation, Baker Chilled Water Plant or Capen Hall.
▪ Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons outside of the Safe Fly Zones (SFZs).
Ready to fly?
Y
Y
Y
N
N
EH&S UAS PolicySA-031
N
CRASHES or INJURIES?
Call UB POLICE716-645-2222
NORTH CAMPUS
5
0
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
0
4
0
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
3
0
2
0
4
0
5
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
3
0
4
0
50
40
30
10
20
040
30
20
10
0
30
50
40
20
10
0
40
30
20
10
0
CEMETERY
CEMETERY
RADIO STATION
TRANSMITTOR &
TOWER
LETCHWORTH WOODS
BASKETBALL COURT
ALUMNI TENNIS COURTS
ELLICOTT TENNIS COURTS
ELLICOTT GAME (EAST AND WEST)
GOVERNOR'S FLAG FOOTBALL
(EAST, WEST, MIDDLE)
NAN HARVEY FIELD
WEST
FOOTBALL
PRACTICE
EAST
FOOTBALL
PRACTICE
NORTH SOCCER
PRACTICE FIELD
SOUTH SOCCER
PRACTICE FIELD
RAC SOCCER
FIELD
TRACK & FIELD
THROWING AREA
OOZE FEST
MUD PIT
STORAGE A
STORAGE B
LAKE LaSALLE LOT
MARSHALL COURT
MO
OD
Y TERRACE
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
CFA
SERVICE
LOT
CFA SERVICE RD.
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
IK
E
P
A
T
H
BIKE PATH
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
IK
E
P
A
T
H
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
B
I
K
E
P
A
T
H
BIZER CREEK
LAKE LASALLE
LAKE LASALLE
BIZER CREEK
BIZER CREEK
B
I
Z
E
R
C
R
E
E
K
E
L
L
I
C
O
T
T
C
R
E
E
K
ELLICOTT CREEK
E
L
L
I
C
O
T
T
C
R
E
E
K
LAKE LASALLE
E
L
L
I
C
O
T
T
C
R
E
E
K
KANAZAWA ISLAND
E
L
L
I
C
O
T
T
C
R
E
E
K
HW
Y. BD
RY.
KEN
EFICK PLACE
SERVICE CEN
TER RO
AD
SERVICE CENTER ROAD
MAPLE ROAD
FLIN
T RO
AD
SPRAGUE ROAD
RENSCH ROAD
HAD
LEY RO
AD
RENSCH LOOP
S
E
R
V
I
C
E
C
E
N
T
E
R
R
O
A
D
M
I
L
L
E
R
S
P
O
R
T
H
I
G
H
W
A
Y
FLIN
T RO
AD
F
L
I
N
T
R
D
.
M
I
L
L
E
R
S
P
O
R
T
H
W
Y
.
PUTNAM WAY
FLIN
T RO
AD
P
U
T
N
A
M
W
A
Y
AUGSPURGER ROAD
PU
TN
AM
W
AY
PUTNAM WAY
PUTNAM WAY
MILLERSPORT HWY.
C
O
V
E
N
T
R
Y
R
O
A
D
WEBSTER RO
AD
COVENTRY LOOP
W
E
B
S
T
E
R
R
D
.
I
N
T
E
R
S
T
A
T
E
9
9
0
HAM
ILTO
N EN
TRAN
CE
S
T
.
R
I
T
A
S
L
A
N
E
S
T
.
R
I
T
A
S
L
A
N
E
AMHERT MANOR DR.
JO
HN
JAM
ES A
UD
UBO
N P
KY.
FLIN
T RO
AD
J
O
H
N
J
A
M
E
S
A
U
D
U
B
O
N
P
K
Y
.
JO
HN
JAM
ES AU
DU
BO
N PKY.
SW
EET H
OM
E RO
AD
RENSCH ROAD
AUGSPURGER ROAD
PUTNAM WAY
P
U
T
N
A
M
W
A
Y
HAD
LEY RO
AD
HAD
LEY RO
AD
WHITE ROAD
WHITE ROAD
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON PKY.
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON PKY.
LEE EN
TRAN
CE
LEE RO
AD
PUTNAM WAY
F
R
O
N
T
I
E
R
R
O
A
D
JO
HN
JAM
ES AU
DU
BO
N PKY.
L
O
C
K
P
O
R
T
E
X
P
R
E
S
S
W
A
Y
SKINNERSVILLE ROAD
S
K
I
N
N
E
R
S
V
I
L
L
E
R
O
A
D
S
K
I
N
N
E
R
S
V
I
L
L
E
R
O
A
D
F
R
O
N
T
I
E
R
R
O
A
D
F
R
O
N
T
IE
R
R
O
A
D
FRONTIER ROAD
FRO
N
TIER RO
AD
NEWCOMB TERRACE
J
O
H
N
J
A
M
E
S
A
U
D
U
B
O
N
P
K
Y
.
M
I
L
L
E
R
S
P
O
R
T
H
W
Y
.
M
I
L
L
E
R
S
P
O
R
T
H
W
Y
.
CHESTNUT RIDGE ROAD
SW
EET H
OM
E RO
AD
SERVICE CENTER ROAD
SW
EET H
OM
E RO
AD
FLIN
T LO
OP
BEAN
E RO
AD
MAPLE ROAD
MAPLE ROAD
AM
HERT M
AN
OR D
R.
NO
RTH
FO
REST RO
AD
S
W
E
E
T
H
O
M
E
R
O
A
D
RENSCH ROAD
REN
SCH
RO
AD
S
E
R
V
I
C
E
C
E
N
T
E
R
R
O
A
D
AUGSPURGER ROAD
CO
VEN
TRY EN
TRAN
CE
WEBSTER RD.
HAMILTON ROAD
HAM
ILTO
N LO
OP
HAM
ILTO
N RO
AD
WHITE ROAD
SUNY BOUNDARY
SUNY BOUNDARY
SU
NY BO
UN
DARY
SUNY BOUNDARY
SU
NY BO
UN
DARY
CONC SURVEY
MON W/WOOD
SUNY BOUNDARY
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
SUNY BOUNDARY
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
SU
NY BO
UN
DARY
SUNY BOUNDARY
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
SU
NY BO
UN
DARY
SUNY BOUNDARY
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
SU
NY BO
UN
DARY
SU
NY BO
UN
DARY
SUNY BOUNDARY
SUNY BOUNDARY
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
SUNY BOUNDARY
SU
NY B
OU
ND
ARY
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
SUNY BOUNDARY
SU
NY BO
UN
DARY
SUNY BOUNDARY
SU
NY BO
UN
DARY
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
S
U
N
Y
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
UBF BO
UN
DARY
UBF BOUNDARY
UBF BO
UN
DARY
UBF BO
UN
DARY
UBF BO
UN
DARY
UBF BO
UN
DARY
U
B
F
B
O
U
N
D
A
R
Y
SUNY BOUNDARY (LEASE)
C
H
A
B
A
D
B
R
I
D
G
E
STUDENT PARK
PARCEL B LIMIT
(SALT_N)
(PRESBX)
(REFRES)
(TENNIS)
(ESSN)
(TRANSM)
(STAGRD)
(SOFT)
(ATHLET)
(BAKPMP)
(FLT310)
(GRNDS)
(VERIZ)
(ESB)
(PKBT01)
PARCEL B LIMIT
PARCEL B LIMIT
(NCHEM)
PARK HALL
Any University CAD drawing files of the University's buildings are to be used only as a general reference and should not be relied upon for building construction or any other work. All consultants are required to comply
with the normal standards of site investigations, etc. as required by their profession and in accordance with their contracts with the University. The University at Buffalo's Facilities Planning and Design Department
provides consultants with copies of the University CAD drawing files for general reference purposes only and disclaims any liability for the accuracy of the files for purposes of building construction or any other work.
COOKE B LOT
COOKE A LOT
HOCHSTETTER A
LOT
HOCHSTETTER B
LOT
JACOBS A LOT
JACOBS B LOTJACOBS C LOT
BAIRD A LOT
SPECIAL EVENT LOT
SLEE A LOT
STADIUM LOT
ARENA LOT
SLEE B LOTBAIRD B LOT
FRONCZAK A
PAID LOT
FRONCZAK B
PAID LOT
GOVERNORS
A LOT
GOVERNORS B
LOT
GOVERNORS E
LOT
GOVERNORS D
LOT
JARVIS A LOT JARVIS B LOT
FURNAS LOT
PARK
LOT
BOOKSTORE
LOT
KETTER
LOT
COMPUTING
CENTER LOT
CROFTS LOT
CROFTS
SPECIAL LOT
BEANE LOT
BEANE
SPECIAL
LOT
KENEFICK
LOT
HELM LOT
ALUMNI
SERVICE LOT
CENTER FOR
TOMORROW LOT
BAKER
PARKING LOT
CFT SPECIAL LOT
SPAULDING
LOT
RICHMOND B
LOT
NEWCOMB
TERR. LOT
RICHMOND A LOT
GOVERNORS
SERVICE LOT
PARK
SERVICE LOT
FLINT VILLAGE EAST LOT
ALUMNI C
LOT
GANE
TERRACE
LOT
CO
RE RO
AD
(TU
NN
EL)
STADIUM
SERVICE LOT
STUDENT
UNION SP.
LOT
STUDENT UNION
SERVICE RD.
(DORSHE)
FLINT VILLAGE
WEST LOT
CAMPUS MAIL
LOT
BISSELL LOT
ALUMNI B
LOT
CHILDCARE
CENTER LOT
MOODY
TERR. LOT
RED JACKET
LOT
GOVERNORS C
LOT
BONNER LOT
SLEE
HNDCP
LOT
ALUMNI
A LOT
(STAGING AREA)
CFT SERVICE
LOT
SOLAR STRAND
FARGO LOT
NORTON
LOT
BAIRD
DOCK
FARGO
DOCK
PORTER
DOCK
RED JACKET
DOCK
RICHMOND
DOCK
SPAULDING
DOCK
MFAC
DOCK
WILKESON
DOCK
(WTRMTR)
(INFORM)
(BEATRL)
LOCKWOODLIBRARY
KNOXLECTUREHALL
STUDENTUNION
ALFIEROCENTER
SLEEHALL
CLEMENSHALL
BAIRDHALL
CENTER FORTHE ARTS
CROFTSHALL
HRDBUILDING
BEANESERVICECENTER
STATLER FOODCOMMISSARY
CENTER FORTOMORROW
HELMWAREHOUSE
BAKER CHILLEDWATER PLANT
HADLEY VILLAGE
FLINT VILLAGE
UBSTADIUM
ALUMNI ARENA
UBCOMMONS
HOCHSTETTERHALL
JACOBS
COOKEHALL
NATURAL SCIENCESCOMPLEX TALBERT
HALL
CAPENHALL
FRONCZAKHALL
COMPUTINGCENTER
MATHBUILDING
GOVERNORSRESIDENCECOMPLEX
BAIRDRESEARCHPARK
FLICKINGERCOURT
ELLICOTTCOMPLEX
FURNASHALL
ROOSEVELTHALL
LEHMANHALL
DEWEYHALL
CLINTONHALL
FARGO
NORTONHALL
BELLHALL
MORRISSPORTSPER. CTR
COMMONS
COMMONS
COMMONS
LIBRARIESANNEX
UNIVERSITYBOOKSTORE
KUNZSTADIUM(Old Stadium)
FLINT VILLAGE
BISSELLHALL
CAMPUSMAIL CENTER
COMMONS
NEUMANCENTER
WILKESON
RICHMONDSPAULDING
MIL
LAR
D
REDJACKET
PORTER
FILLMORE
CREEKSIDE VILLAGE
COMMONS
KETTERADDITION
KETTERHALL JARVIS
HALL
BONNERHALL
SOUTH LAKE VILLAGECHILDCARECENTER
DAVISHALL
GREINERHALL
BALDYHALL
O'BRIANHALL
ST. PAULS
0 250 500 1000 FEET
EH&S Policy SA-030-xxSmall UAS SAFE FLY ZONES (SFZ)
are designated below in green shading.See policy for complete details before flying.
EH&S Policy SA-030-xxSmall UAS SAFE FLY ZONES (SFZ)
are designated below in green shading.See policy for complete details before flying.
SFZ
SFZ
SFZ
SFZ
SFZ
EH&S Policy SA-031Small UAS SAFE FLY ZONES (SFZ) are designated in green shading.
See policy for complete details before flying.