The University of Tennessee Knoxville procedures are designed to enhance the safety and security of the campus community.  The significant increase in UAS activity presents a deconfliction challenge and a concern that UASs are capable of being used with ill intent.  Our goal is to have a thorough but efficient process that allows for appropriate and safe UAS activity in support of the university’s mission while maintaining awareness of these flights so that unapproved flights can be quickly identified and addressed.

These procedures apply to all persons who use or intend to use UAS (drones) either on University of Tennessee, Knoxville property or in connection with University employment. The UAS Coordinator for the University of Tennessee Knoxville is the Director of Emergency Management. Attached to this statement is the University of Tennessee  System Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy. All campus personnel wishing to seek approval to operate a UAS on the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus should read this policy before seeking approval. The University does not grant approval to third parties (non UT student, faculty, staff) without a university sponsor. If you are seeking authority to operate a UAS on campus on behalf of a UT entity- please have the appropriate UT representative fill out the UAS Approval Form.

Once familiar with the procedures, requesting persons may complete the UAS Approval Form no less than 7 days before they wish to operate a UAS on the campus. The UAS Coordinator or designee will review the request and will reply in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the UAS operator to notify and seek approval for any required FAA waivers prior to submission. The operator should also keep a copy of the UAS Coordinators approval with them at the time of usage.