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Policy & Procedure 5-113 Drone on Campus

GLECP Standards, Approved Date: 2/1/2023
New ( ) Amends ( ) Rescinds ( ), Effective Date: 2/1/2023

Reviewed:

Revised:

Contents

5-113.1 PURPOSE
5-113.2 CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY DRONE POLICY
General Guidelines
Required Flight Plan
Class B Airspace

5-113.1 PURPOSE

The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also referred to as drones has become commonplace. The operation of UAS is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and relevant state laws. There are significant requirements and restrictions for UAS flights that must be adhered to in order to operate a UAS lawfully. This policy establishes procedures necessary for the safe flight of unmanned aerial systems on campus property.

5-113.2 CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY DRONE POLICY

Small unmanned aerial systems are defined as any aircraft weighing between .55lbs (250 >grams) and less than 55lbs (25kg) along with its associated elements, operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. Where required by law, these aircraft must be registered with the FAA to be in compliance with this policy. The scope of this policy applies to, but is not limited to, the operation of drones on or above the property of Clayton State University, University controlled property, or for University affiliated events held elsewhere. These policy does not apply to use by law enforcement within the scope of their duties. The Morrow campus falls within a class “B” controlled airspace due to the proximity of the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

General Guidelines

All drone owners and operators are personally responsible for compliance with FAA, federal, state, local and University policies. The FAA may assess civil and criminal penalties to include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.

  1. Drones may not be operated in any way that would create a public safety hazard, an undue hazard to persons or property or to privacy, or in such a way that unduly or negatively effects the environment of those on campus.
  2. Operators must be under the control of the aircraft at all times, remain within the line of sight of the aircraft, and flown only during daylight hours.
  3. Registration of drones can be found at registermyuas.faa.gov. Operators must have proof of FAA registration in their possession during flight operations.
  4. All drones must have their unique FAA registration number noted somewhere on the aircraft.
  5. Drones may not be operated directly above any public, open-air events including all sporting events.
  6. Efforts should be made to limit use of drones over public ways at all times, with special care so as to not distract the attention of vehicle occupants.
  7. Drones cannot be flown within 30 feet of any building or other structure, unless approved by the University.
  8. For purposes of protecting individual privacy rights, drone operators shall not intentionally photograph or otherwise video-record any individual or group inside a building or motor vehicle. This also holds true for recording inside any unoccupied building or vehicle.
  9. Per FAA regulations, drones may not exceed a flying height of 400 feet or be operated within a 5-mile radius of any airport without prior notice to the airport operator and air traffic controller. The Clayton State University Morrow Campus and surrounding area fall within a Class B restricted airspace and additional restrictions apply.
  10. Drones with metal blade propellers are prohibited.
  11. Drones will not be operated while under the influence of any level of alcohol or drugs.
  12. Drones will not be operated during inclement weather that would jeopardize operational control.
  13. At the direction of any University Police Officer, a flight can be terminated at any time.
  14. All drone operators/owners shall submit a written Operations Plan to the Clayton State University Chief of Police or their designee at least seven (7) days prior to the planned flight.
  15. The applicant will be notified and advised of any additional restrictions that will be required. All approved Operations will be provided with a copy of this policy.
  16. The Chief of Police or his/her designee reserves the right to rescind any previously approved use of a drone at any time.
  17. It is the responsibility of both the owner and/or operator of each drone to assure these guidelines are taken into account and addressed at all times.
  18. There may be liability and property insurance considerations for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage depending upon the size, weight, and flying altitude of the drone; privacy violations or other unlawful use. Clayton State University may require proof of insurance or require signed acknowledgements and/or waivers prior to flight approval.
  19. More information on responsible flight can be found at knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Required Flight Plan

In order to receive permission, a drone pilot must submit a written Operations Plan to the Chief of Police via email at least seven (7) days prior to the flight. It must include the following information:

  1. The UAS to be used including make, model, and weight, along with a photo;
  2. The date and time frame of the flight including start and end times along with backup date and times if known;
  3. A flight path over a campus map;
  4. Purpose of the flight- Civil, Commercial, Research, Hobby, etc.;
  5. The name of the campus unit that the pilot is working with, if applicable;
  6. The identity of the owner and pilot with accompanying contact numbers;
  7. A copy of FAA registration;
  8. Notating whether photos or video are to be collected;
  9. Proof of authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration for drone flight in Class “B” airspace. Authorization may be requested through the FAA “B4UFLY” App.

Once received, the flight plan will be reviewed by the University which will either approve or deny the drone flight. Clayton State University reserves the right to restrict drone flight over campus property. If approved, the University will notify the applicant via email. UAS pilots accept all liability for drone flight, approved or unapproved, over Clayton State University property. UAS pilots will be held liable for all injuries, damages, and violations of law incurred by such a flight.

Class B Airspace

Recreational drones are strictly prohibited from flight in a class B airspace. Commercial drone operators must apply for and receive FAA authorization under special circumstance using an FAA Part 107 Waiver.