New York Drone Laws

NYU prohibits all unauthorized drone operations on university property across its Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Abu Dhabi campuses. NYC's Administrative Code § 10-126 effectively bans drone takeoff and landing within city limits, creating strict restrictions applicable to all NYU locations in New York City. Any research or production use of drones requires advance authorization from NYU Public Safety and must comply with NYC regulations.

Restrictions: Strict prohibition on unauthorized operations. NYC Admin Code § 10-126 effectively bans takeoff/landing within city limits. Campus properties follow NYC restrictions plus university policy. No operations over buildings, quads, or occupied areas without express authorization.

Columbia prohibits unauthorized drone flights on all campus properties including Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Medical Center campuses. NYC airspace restrictions and Administrative Code § 10-126 apply to all Columbia locations. Film and research projects requiring drone use must obtain advance approval from Public Safety and may also require NYC DOT authorization.

Restrictions: No unauthorized flights. NYC airspace restrictions and Admin Code § 10-126 apply. No flights over campus buildings or quadrangles. Approval required from Public Safety prior to any operation.

UB requires approval from the Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) for all drone operations on the North Campus, South Campus, and Jacobs School of Medicine. UB Stadium (Highmark Stadium proximity) TFR applies during athletic and major events. EHS maintains a formal UAS safety program with required training and documentation.

Restrictions: EHS approval required before any flight. Stadium TFR during athletic events. No flights over occupied buildings. Coordination with university police required. Operators must hold appropriate FAA certification for intended use.

Stony Brook University requires all drone operations to be coordinated with the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department and university police prior to flight. EHS maintains a drone safety program with formal procedures for UAS operation requests, risk assessment, and operator verification.

Restrictions: EHS coordination and approval required before any flight. No flights over research facilities, medical center buildings, or occupied areas without specific authorization. University police coordination mandatory for all operations.

Cornell requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved by Environmental Health & Safety. Cornell has active drone research programs through the College of Engineering and College of Agriculture & Life Sciences with designated research flight areas on the Ithaca campus. The rural Ithaca campus allows for more expansive authorized research operations than comparable urban institutions.

Restrictions: EHS approval required before any flight on campus property. No flights over Schoellkopf Field or athletic facilities during events. Designated research flight areas available with proper authorization. Operators must provide FAA certification documentation.

Syracuse University requires drone operations on campus to be approved by the Department of Public Safety. The JMA Wireless Dome and athletic events trigger airspace restrictions. Given the university's location in close proximity to Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), operators must also obtain LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations.

Restrictions: Public Safety approval required for all operations. Stadium area (JMA Wireless Dome) restricted during events. LAANC authorization may be required due to proximity to SYR. No operations over occupied facilities without authorization.

Fordham University prohibits unauthorized drone operations on all campus properties including Rose Hill (Bronx), Lincoln Center (Manhattan), and Westchester campuses. NYC Administrative Code § 10-126 applies to Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses. All drone use for academic or administrative purposes requires advance authorization from University Safety.

Restrictions: No unauthorized drone operations on any campus. NYC Admin Code § 10-126 applies to Manhattan and Bronx campuses. University Safety authorization required. No flights over buildings, athletic fields, or populated areas without written approval.

RPI requires authorization from Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management for drone operations on the Troy campus. The university has active UAS research programs and provides designated authorized flight areas for approved academic and research operations. Proximity to Albany International Airport (ALB) requires LAANC authorization for some operations.

Restrictions: EHS authorization required before flight. LAANC coordination needed for operations in controlled airspace near ALB. Research flight areas designated for approved programs. No unauthorized commercial or recreational use on campus.

University of Rochester requires Environmental Health & Safety approval for all drone operations on the River Campus, Medical Center, and Eastman School of Music locations. The university has research programs involving UAS and maintains formal procedures for operator certification and flight approval.

Restrictions: EHS approval required. No flights over the Medical Center or patient care areas. No operations over athletic events or occupied outdoor areas without specific authorization. FAA Part 107 or recreational certification documentation required.

All CUNY campuses across New York City are subject to NYC Administrative Code § 10-126, which effectively prohibits drone takeoff and landing within city limits except at designated locations. CUNY system-wide policy requires any proposed drone use for academic or administrative purposes to be reviewed and authorized by the Office of Facilities Planning, Construction and Management in coordination with campus public safety offices.

Restrictions: NYC Admin Code § 10-126 effectively prohibits all drone operations at NYC CUNY campuses. System-wide approval process required for any authorized operations. All CUNY campus locations in NYC subject to same restrictions as other city properties.