LSU Campus Drone Flight Authorization

Request authorization before operating a drone on the LSU campus

Anyone seeking to launch, operate, or land an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly called a drone, on LSU property must submit a request through the Formstack form below and obtain written authorization before beginning the operation.

This process helps LSU evaluate proposed drone operations for compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, federal and Louisiana law, and LSU requirements administered in coordination with LSU Police, LSU Legal, and LSU Risk Management.

Submitting a request does not authorize a flight. Do not launch or operate a drone on LSU property until LSU has issued written approval for the proposed operation.

Applicant Responsibilities

The pilot and requesting organization are responsible for ensuring that the proposed operation:

  • Complies fully with all applicable FAA regulations, authorizations, airspace requirements, registration and Remote ID requirements, pilot-certification requirements, operating limitations, and safety rules.
  • Complies with all applicable federal and Louisiana laws and regulations.
  • Complies with LSU policies, procedures, property-use requirements, and any conditions included in the written authorization.
  • Is conducted only within the approved location, date, time, purpose, and operating parameters.
  • Does not create an unreasonable risk to people, property, aircraft operations, campus activities, privacy, or public safety.

Louisiana law restricts certain uses of an unmanned aircraft system, including some surveillance, information-gathering, and recording activities involving targeted facilities, as well as operations over certain listed locations without required written consent. Applicants must review and comply with applicable law, including La. R.S. 14:337. LSU authorization does not replace any FAA authorization, legal consent, permit, license, insurance requirement, or other approval required by law.

Required Documentation

Upload the following materials with your request. Incomplete submissions may delay review or may be returned for additional information.

  • Flight plan: Identify the proposed date and time, purpose, launch and landing locations, flight area or route, anticipated altitude, and any other information needed to evaluate the operation.
  • Drone identification: Provide the drone’s make, model, and Remote ID information.
  • Pilot credentials: Upload a copy of the pilot’s current FAA remote-pilot certificate or other applicable FAA authorization or credential for the proposed operation.
  • Liability insurance: Provide verification of current liability insurance meeting applicable LSU Risk Management requirements.

LSU may request additional information or documentation based on the proposed location, purpose, aircraft, operating conditions, or potential impact on campus operations and public safety.

Review and Authorization

LSU Police, LSU General Counsel, LSU Risk Management, and other appropriate LSU offices may review the request. Approval may include conditions, limitations, or coordination requirements. Written authorization applies only to the specific operation described in the approved request and may be modified, suspended, or revoked when necessary for safety, legal, operational, or emergency reasons.

If any material detail changes—including the date, time, location, pilot, aircraft, purpose, or flight plan—submit an updated request and obtain confirmation before conducting the operation.

Submit a Request

Complete the Formstack form below and attach all required documentation. Allow sufficient time for review before the requested flight date. A request is not approved until the applicant receives written authorization from LSU.