FlyGT

About FlyGT

Thank you for your interest in flying over campus and for taking the necessary steps to ensure your operation complies with established procedures. We appreciate your proactive approach to safety and coordination. All drone pilots are required to file a flight plan with the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) prior to each flight conducted on campus. Submitting a flight plan allows us to deconflict campus airspace, promote safe operations, verify adherence to applicable FAA regulations, and notify pilots of any adverse or potentially hazardous conditions, special events, or Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that may be in effect at the time of the flight.

Please complete and return the GTPD Drone Flight Plan template for every flight, ideally 24 to 48 hours in advance of your planned operation. This advance notice helps ensure sufficient time for review and coordination. Please be advised that filing a flight plan with the GTPD does not relieve the pilot of responsibility for complying with all FAA regulations, manufacturer requirements, and applicable community-based safety guidelines. The pilot in command remains fully responsible for the safe and lawful operation of the aircraft at all times.

With respect to approved locations on campus, many pilots choose to operate from the Burger Bowl (also known as Couch Park), located behind the Campus Recreation Center's (CRC) Challenge Course. This area is commonly used because it allows for safer operations without pedestrians directly beneath the flight area. However, please note that Couch Park is considered a reservable space managed through the Campus Recreation Center. If a reservation holder is present when you arrive or arrives during your operation, you must immediately forfeit use of the field and safely conclude or relocate your flight. Filing a flight plan with the GTPD does not constitute a reservation of this or any other campus space.

Please maintain heightened situational awareness at all times, particularly with respect to other pilots who may be operating drones in the same area concurrently. Ensure proper coordination to avoid conflicts in airspace, adhere to established altitude and operational limits, and be prepared to suspend operations immediately if conditions become unsafe or if directed by authorities. Should there be any changes to the schedule, location, or scope of operations, please advise in advance for review.

Commercial Drone Flight Request

Any flight that is considered commercial is required to meet the minimum insurance requirements in order to operate on campus. Georgia Tech's requirement for aviation-related flights conducted on campus includes the submission of a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) issued by Global Aviation to confirm that appropriate coverage is in place for the proposed operation. The COI must be valid for the dates of the planned flight and reflect coverage amounts that meet or exceed Institute requirements.

Please note that proof of insurance is required prior to approval and must be on file before any commercial flight activity may occur. Submission of a flight plan alone does not satisfy this requirement.

Additional questions regarding insurance requirements or the Certificate of Insurance process can be directed to Jerome Wright, Director of Insurance & Assets:

jwright408@gatech.edu or gtinsurance.ask@business.gatech.edu