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676 Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Drones
SUBJECT: | USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS AND DRONES |
NUMBER: | 676 |
AUTHORIZING BODY: | VICE PRESIDENT FOR LEGAL AFFAIRS, GENERAL COUNSEL |
RESPONSIBLE OFFICE: | OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE |
DATE ISSUED: | SEPTEMBER 2020 |
LAST UPDATE: | NEW POLICY |
RATIONALE: Unmanned Aircraft Systems and drones (collectively, Unmanned Aerial Systems or UAS – see complete definition below) can make significant contributions to Oakland University’s (University) research, teaching and service/outreach activities in a variety of disciplines. Additionally, aerial photography/videography with a UAS can assist the University with land management, construction, athletics, law enforcement, and other functions. This Policy is intended to establish rules for UAS use by: (i) the University’s faculty, staff, students and volunteers at any location; and (ii) others on University Property (as defined below). | |
POLICY: A UAS is considered to be an aircraft according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). All aircraft operating in the National Airspace System must follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations. In addition to FAA rules, UAS use is also governed by applicable state or local laws, and by University ordinances, regulations, rules and policies. The University’s Sponsoring Department (as defined below) and the UAS pilot or operator are responsible for complying with all applicable FAA, federal, state, local and University laws, ordinances, regulations, rules and policies. See www.faa.gov/uas for the most current FAA rules and regulations regarding UAS use. | |
OPERATION OF UAS: UAS is prohibited for any recreational use on or above any University Property. | |
NON-RECREATIONAL OPERATION OF UAS IS PROHIBITED:
Note: FAA waiver of Part 107 Regulations must be obtained to operate beyond these and other FAA restrictions. See www.faa.gov/uas/request_waiver/ for further details and clarification and waiver approval process. | |
SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY: This policy applies to:
| |
DEFINITIONS: Autonomous: Ability for a UAS to be navigated remotely without any onboard human intervention. Drone: Unmanned system with the ability to operate autonomously, in an un-tethered free-flight mode. FAA: The Federal Aviation Administration, which is the government agency that regulates the national airspace system, including, without limitation, the operation of any UAS. National Airspace System: The National Airspace System (NAS) is the airspace, navigation facilities and airports of the United States along with their associated information, services, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, personnel and equipment. It includes components shared jointly with the military. Operator: The individual flying or controlling a UAS while in operation. Reasonable Expectation of Privacy: An expectation of privacy generally recognized by society and/or protected by law, University ordinances, regulations, rules and policies. Remotely: Ability to operate or control a UAS from a distance. Sponsoring Department: The Sponsoring Department is the University unit that is operating, or that has contracted with or requested the services of a Third Party to operate, a UAS in a manner that is covered by this Policy. University Property: Any and all personal and/or real property owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the University, including the air/space above the property. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Airplanes, Helicopters, Quadcopters, Drones or other flying apparatus which is unmanned and/or operated remotely or autonomously. UAS are often referred to as drones or aerial drones. | |
PROCEDURES:
RELATED POLICIES AND FORMS: APPENDIX: |