Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Northwestern’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, also known as "drones") program promotes safe, responsible, and respectful drone operations on Northwestern property by providing guidance and requirements to staff, faculty, students, visitors, contractors, and pilots.
Effective December 22, 2025, a federal ban will prohibit the purchase and operation of drones manufactured or assembled by certain foreign entities for federally funded University projects. Learn more.
To request commercial or non-recreational drone flight approval on, above, or inside Northwestern property, please complete the flight request form below with at least 48 hours of advance notice. Do not attempt to complete this form unless all applicable requested items below are available.
- Pilot in Charge (PIC) contact information (i.e., phone and email) and FAA license number
- Drone weight and FAA registration number
- Pre-approval from Northwestern Athletics for flights over athletics fields
- Upload the following documentation:
- FAA PIC license, including proof of training for night flights
- FAA waivers, as applicable
- Flight plan map indicating all areas of operation
- Certificate of Insurance (COI) and contract if the PIC is a contractor or vendor
- A written safety plan for indoor flights or flights that will impact walkways or roadways, which must include procedures to ensure no conflict between people, equipment, and property; a plan for all drone movements and flight paths; established safe speeds and distances to people, equipment, and property; access control plan for the operating area; and emergency procedures (e.g., collisions, malfunctions).
Program Highlights
- Responsibilities
- Pilot and drone requirements
- Drone operations and approved flight areas
- Flight notification and approval requirements
Documents
For additional information, please contact ehs@northwestern.edu.