 Unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to provide long-duration flights, improved safety, repeatable missions, and lower operating costs than traditional manned aircraft. However, these benefits are contingent upon several factors, including the type of aircraft used, sensor types, mission objectives, and existing regulations governing UAS operations. These regulations can be prohibitive for scientific users who may find it difficult to access or operate UAS platforms. This paper provides an overview of various UAS platforms and sensor capabilities, as well as a discussion of the current state of regulation, with the goal of providing insight into the potential of UAS for scientific applications. This article was authored by Adam C. Watts, Everett Hinkley, and Vincent G. Ambrosia.