Graduate School

Yes. Flying for University-related activities or business requires the drone be flown under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107). A person operating a small UAS must either hold a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating or be under the direct supervision of a person who does hold a remote pilot certificate. Under 14 CFR §107.12:

(a)…no person may manipulate the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system unless:

• That person has a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating issued pursuant to subpart C of this part and satisfies the requirements of 107.65; or
• That person is under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command and the remote pilot in command has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight of the small unmanned aircraft.

(b) …no person may act as a remote pilot in command unless that person has a remote pilot in command unless that person has a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating issued pursuant to  subpart C of this part and satisfies the requirements of § 107.65.

More information on becoming a certified drone pilot can be found at https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot.