6.1.40 Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to govern the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems ("UAS" or "drones") at Illinois State University.

Scope

This policy outlines the conditions under which individuals are authorized to use a UAS, including aircraft and supporting equipment that together weigh .55 lbs. or more. It authorizes the use of UAS by University students, University employees, and third parties sponsored by the University. Under this policy, flights can occur on campus, off campus for a valid University purpose, and by student hobbyists in designated areas on campus. The Illinois State University Environmental Health and Safety Office is the point of contact for approvals of UAS operations under this policy.

Definitions

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

The University is adopting the FAA definition of UAS, wherein UAS may have a variety of names including drones, quadcopter, quadrotor, etc. According to the FAA, a UAS is 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.

Student Hobbyist

An Illinois State University student who flies privately-owned model aircraft for recreational purposes.

Remote Pilot

A remote pilot is an individual holding a valid remote pilot certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Model Aircraft

The FAA definition of a model aircraft is an unmanned aircraft that is flown for hobby or recreational purposes. Model aircraft are capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere and are flown within visual line of sight of the people operating the aircraft.

University Property

University property includes any property owned, leased, or controlled by Illinois State University, including the University Farm.

Requirements for Operations

The following requirements pertain to the use of UAS at Illinois State University.

1. University Authorization: All UAS flights must have University approval as specified in the accompanying procedures. The Environmental Health and Safety office coordinates approvals for UAS flights on behalf of the University.
2. FAA Authorization
   1. All UAS flights, aircraft, and Student Hobbyists and/or Remote Pilots must meet current FAA requirements for the type of flight, purpose of the flight, flight operator requirements, and flight conditions.
      1. All UAS systems subject to this policy that are operated on-campus or off-campus must be  registered in accordance with FAA Requirements. See procedures for details.
      2. Model aircraft flights by Student Hobbyists must be flown in accordance with the FAA Model Aircraft Operating Standards. See procedures for details.
      3. University employees or students wishing to use a UAS within the scope of University employment or as a part of a University program must be authorized under an FAA individual Remote Pilot certificate.
   2. All UAS flights must be conducted in accordance with applicable FAA, federal, state, local and University safety requirements.
3. On-Campus Use: Certain on-campus uses of UAS will be allowed with appropriate authorization as outlined below.
   1. Notification: The individual responsible for any on-campus flights must also notify the University Police Department in accordance with the procedure for this policy. 
   2. Student Hobbyists: Only Illinois State University students are authorized to operate on campus as hobbyists. Flights must occur only in designated locations during designated times.
   3. University-related Purposes: UASs may be used at any location on campus for a University-related purposes with prior authorization from Environmental Health and Safety.
   4. Third Parties: Third parties may not operate on campus without sponsorship by a University office, appropriate FAA authorization, proof of insurance coverage, and prior approval from Environmental Health and Safety.
   5. Exceptions: University Police and other authorized first-responders may operate FAA-authorized UAS for law enforcement or emergency purposes in accordance with applicable law.
   6. Insurance: All operations on campus are required to meet applicable insurance coverage requirements outlined in the procedures for this policy.
4. Off-Campus Use: University personnel operating UAS as part of their University duties at an off-campus location must meet the FAA requirements (or applicable governmental requirements if operated outside of the United States), must be covered by University-approved insurance, and must be authorized by Environmental Health and Safety to operate at the designated off-campus location.
   1. Permissions from Property Owner and Local Jurisdictions: The operator must obtain the permission of property owners and local jurisdictions prior to conducting flights over the off-campus property. This permission must be provided in writing to Environmental Health and Safety. See procedures for details.
   2. Export Control: For operations outside of the United States, an Export Control analysis must be conducted prior to the transport of any University-owned UAS outside of the United States.
5. Privacy: All operators must adhere to University policies and applicable privacy laws.
   1. University Policy: All individuals operating a UAS on University property must take all reasonable measures to avoid violations of areas normally considered private. Use of UAS for surveillance purposes must comply with University Policy 1.7: Use of Electronic Equipment for Surveillance Purposes. No UAS may be operated in such a way as to monitor or record: 1) sensitive or personal information, 2) any University residential housing facility, or other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. The dissemination of visual or audio transmissions of the actions of a person without that person’s consent is prohibited. For the purpose of this policy, people have a reasonable expectation of privacy when not in public areas.
   2. Code Violations: It is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct to engage in any electronic exploitation of another person, including eavesdropping on, surveillance of, and/or the recording and/or broadcasting of non-public actions, in any forum.
   3. Compliance with Privacy Laws: Operators are responsible for following applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding privacy.

Enforcement

Faculty, staff, and students who operate UAS in violation of this and other applicable University policies may be subject to disciplinary actions.

Procedures

The UAS Flight Contact Information Form must be completed for each flight and for each UAS prior to operation on campus.

Student Hobbyist Flights (On Campus)

Illinois State University has designated a single location for UAS flights by student hobbyists. No flights are permitted after sunset or before sunrise. This location is near the University Recycling Center, which is accessible from Gregory Street in Normal. See Appendix 1 for a map of this location. Note that this location is within the Class D controlled airspace of the Central Illinois Regional Airport, and therefore notifications of the FAA Tower at the airport are required (see below).

1. Each UAS must be registered with the FAA prior to flying on campus if the UAS, including aircraft and additional system equipment, weighs 0.55 lbs. or greater. You will need this registration number to obtain authorization to fly on campus.
2. Review the FAA Model Aircraft Operating Standards.
3. Submit the UAS Flight Contact Information Form to Environmental Health and Safety and print a copy. Be sure to have this form with you during your flight.
4. Within 90 minutes prior to the flight, notify the ISU Police Department ((309) 438-8631) and the FAA Control Tower ((309) 663-1278) of the flight. Flights of multiple UAS during the same timeframe can be reported together. The Control Tower personnel may ask about the nature of your flight, including the altitude, number of UAS, airspeed, etc.

On-Campus Flights for University or Commercial Purpose

Only flights by FAA-certified Remote Pilots are permitted. The Remote Pilot is responsible for following all FAA regulations pertaining to the flight. All flights are contingent on University approval.

1. Obtain permission from the individuals who are responsible for the areas over which the UAS will be flying. No flights are allowed before sunrise or after sunset unless the Remote Pilot has received an FAA waiver for nighttime operations. Be sure to inform them of the intended purpose, location, and duration of the flight. A list of contacts for scheduling University spaces is available with Conference Services.
2. Submit the UAS Flight Contact Information form (see link above) to Environmental Health and Safety at least 11 business days prior to the planned flight. You will be informed within 11 business days whether the University approves or denies the flight.
3. Within 90 minutes prior to the flight, notify the ISU Police Department ((309) 438-8631) and the FAA Control Tower ((309) 663-1278) of the flight.
4. If a University department or group is using a third-party for the flight, the third party must provide proof of FAA certification and proof of insurance coverage when submitting the request for prior approval from Environmental Health and Safety.

Off-Campus Flights for University Purpose

All flights for University Purposes (e.g. research) must be operated by an FAA-certified Remote Pilot for operation of University-owned aircraft, if the activity occurs within the United States. The Remote Pilot is responsible for following all FAA regulations pertaining to the flight (or regulations of the local jurisdiction if conducted outside of the United States). All flights are contingent on prior approval by Environmental Health and Safety.

1. If a flight is to be conducted outside of the United States using a University-owned UAS, contact the University's Export Control Officer (export@illinoisstate.edu or 309-438-0615) several weeks before attempting to take the UAS out of the United States.
2. Prior to conducting flights at off-campus locations, permissions from the property owner(s) and/or local jurisdiction is required. See Appendix 2 for the permission form to be submitted with the UAS Flight Contact Information Form.
3. Submit the UAS Flight Contact Information form (see link above) to Environmental Health and Safety at least 11 business days prior to the planned flight. You will be informed within 11 business days whether the University approves or denies the flight.
4. If a University entity is using a third-party for the flight, the third party must provide proof of FAA certification and proof of insurance coverage when submitting the request for prior approval from Environmental Health and Safety.

Appendix 1. Student Hobbiest Flight Location

The designated Student Hobbyist Flight Location is north of the Intramural Sports Fields off Gregory Street in Normal. To access the area, turn north onto the driveway just to the west of the intramural fields. The flight location is to the immediate north and west of the buildings at the end of the lane.

Operations above building, vehicles, and crops (after planting and before harvesting) is not permitted.

Figure 1: View of Student Hobbyist Flight Location showing its relation to the Intramural Sports Fields. The red area is a no-fly zone (above buildings and vehicles), and only the green area (approx. 8 acres) may be used between planting and harvesting of crops on the surrounding farmland. The blue area (approx. 50 acres) may be used after harvesting and before planting. 

Figure 2: Close-up view of the Student Hobbyist Flight Location.

Appendix 2: Landowner Permission to Fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems

As previously stated, a permission form should be submitted with the UAS Flight contact Information Form.

Dowload Land Owner Permission Form.