Use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones)

The purpose of this Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) Policy is to provide guidelines concerning the appropriate operation of and uses for Unmanned Aircraft Systems on University property.

Lynn University must comply with FAA requirements, state law, and any other locally applicable laws or regulations regarding unmanned aircraft systems. Inherent risks in the operation of such equipment require additional insurance provisions and policy considerations. Therefore, all University students, employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and visitors are prohibited from operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems, also known as drones, without appropriate permission from the University. If permission is received, operators of an Unmanned Aircraft Systems must comply with the University’s appropriate and prohibited uses guidelines (see Procedures/Guidelines). Any operation or use of an Unmanned Aircraft Systems that violates the appropriate and prohibited uses guidelines or any applicable law or regulation is prohibited. It is the responsibility of the operator of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems to ensure that all relevant guidelines, laws, and regulations are adhered to during operation of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Violations of this Policy by anyone not a member of the University community may result in removal from University property. Legal prohibitions regarding physical presence on campus/trespassing may also be pursued.

Violations by members of the University community may result in disciplinary action pursuant to the University’s applicable disciplinary policies.

Drone—an alternative term used to define an unmanned aircraft system, unmanned aerial vehicle, or remote controlled model aircraft.

University Activity—any activity or use by a University division for the purpose of education, instruction, photography, research, or extension activities.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)—defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the “unmanned aircraft and all of the associated support equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications and navigation equipment, etc., necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft.”

I. Appropriate and Reasonable Uses

1. All members of the Lynn University community are personally responsible for complying with FAA regulations, state and federal laws, and University policies;

2. Any University employee or student wishing to operate a unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as part of their University employment or as part of an University program must first obtain a “333 exemption” or Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) issued by the FAA. The Lynn University Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics (College of Aeronautics) is the FAA account holder for COAs for Lynn University and must process all applications on a case-by case basis;

3. Any University employee, student, or unit purchasing a UAS (or the parts to assemble a UAS), or UAS services with University funds or funds being disbursed through a University account, or grant funds, must contact the College of Aeronautics in order to assess the University’s ability to obtain a COA, other necessary FAA exemptions, or meet local compliance requirements;

4. Any University employee, student, third party or hobbyist wishing to use a UAS or model aircraft over University property must first receive approval through the College of Aeronautics. 5. Individuals planning to use UAS must also provide proof of FAA approval. In addition, operation of a UAS by an employee, student, third party or hobbyist over University property must be under a contract which holds the University harmless from any resulting claims or harm to individuals and damage to University property and provides insurance as required by the College of Aeronautics;

6. In operating a UAS for purposes of recording or transmitting visual images, operators must take all reasonable measures to avoid violations of areas normally considered private. Use of UAS must comply with any other applicable University policies. All uses of UAS must comply with following prohibited uses:

a. UAS shall not be used to monitor or record areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in accordance with accepted social norms. These areas include but are not limited to restrooms, locker rooms, individual residential rooms, changing or dressing rooms, and health treatment rooms.

b. UAS shall not be used to monitor or record residential hallways, residential lounges, or the insides of campus daycare facilities.

c. UAS shall not be used to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information, which may be found, for example, on an individual’s workspaces, on computer or other electronic displays.

In addition, operators of any UAS for personal or recreational use must abide by the following FAA issued safety recommendations:

1. Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles;

2. Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times;

3. Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations;

4. Do not fly within 5 miles of an airport unless contact is made with the airport and control tower before flying;

5. Do not fly near people or stadiums;

6. Do not fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs; and

7. Do not be careless or reckless with the unmanned aircraft.

Procedures and Guidelines need to be inserted College of Aeronautics.