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. It authorizes the use of UAS by University students and University employees. It also authorizes the use of UAS by third parties through their agreement with the University. Under this policy, flights can occur on University Property, off University Property for a valid University purpose, and by hobbyists in designated areas on University Property. The Illinois State University Risk Management Office is the point of contact for approvals of UAS operations under this policy.

Definitions

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

The University is adopting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) definition of UAS, wherein UAS may have a variety of names including drones, quadcopter, quadrotor, etc. According to the FAA, unmanned aircraft means an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. 

Hobbyist

An Illinois State University student or employee 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.

Operator

For the purposes of this policy, an operator is any individual that is piloting a UAS. This includes, but is not limited to, hobbyists and licensed UAS pilots. 

Emergency Purposes

Operation of UAS under conditions necessary to respond to emergency and disaster conditions present on campus. Emergency use is applicable for departments that are defined as Emergency Management and Emergency Medical Services. 

University Property

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

Third Party

All non-ISU employees or any individual operating a UAS not sponsored by the University, including but not limited to, contractors or vendors. 

Requirements for Operations

All UAS flights must be conducted in accordance with applicable FAA, federal, state, local, and University safety requirements.

1. University Authorization: All UAS flights must have University approval as specified in the UAS Drone Procedure Checklist. The University Risk Management office coordinates approvals for UAS flights on behalf of the University. 
2. FAA Authorization
   1. All UAS flights, aircraft, and hobbyists and/or remote pilots must meet current FAA requirements for the type of flight, purpose of the flight, remote pilot  requirements, and flight conditions.
      1. All UAS systems subject to this policy that are operated on University Property or off University Property must be registered in accordance with FAA Requirements.
      2. Model aircraft flights by hobbyists must be flown in accordance with the FAA Model Aircraft Operating Standards.
      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.
3.  Use on University Properties: Certain drone uses of UAS on University Properties will be allowed with appropriate authorization as outlined below.
   1. Notification: The individual responsible for any on-University Property flights must also notify the University Police Department in accordance with the UAS Drone Procedure Checklist.
   2. Hobbyists: Only Illinois State University students and employees are authorized to operate on University Property as hobbyists. Flights must occur only in designated locations during designated times.
   3. University-related Purposes: UASs may be used on  University Property for University-related purposes with approval from University Risk Management. Use of UAS that is not owned by the University (Personally Owned UAS) is not permitted for University-related purposes except with explicit approval from University Risk Management. Please reach out to 309-438-1900 or email riskmanagement@ilstu.edu for this type of request. 
   4. Third Parties: Third parties may not operate on University Property without sponsorship by a University office, appropriate FAA authorization, proof of insurance coverage, prior approval from University Risk Management. All Third Party operations on University Property are required to meet applicable insurance coverage requirements outlined in the UAS Drone Procedure Checklist.
   5. Exceptions: Emergency Management, the Incident Management Team, and other authorized first responders may operate FAA-authorized UAS for law enforcement or emergency purposes in accordance with applicable law. 
4.  Use off University Property: UAS use will be allowed with appropriate authorization as outlined below.
   1. Authorized Use: University personnel operating UAS as part of their University duties at an off University Property 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 approved by University Risk Management to operate at the designated off University Property location. Use of UAS that is not owned by the University (Personally Owned UAS) is not permitted for University-related purposes except with explicit approval from University Risk Management. 
   2. 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 University Property. This permission must be provided in writing to University Risk Management.
   3. 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 under this policy must take all reasonable measures to avoid violations of areas normally considered private. Use of UAS for surveillance purposes must comply with Policy 1.7: University 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 an individual without that individual’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 individual, 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. For the purpose of this policy, all individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy when not in public areas. 

Violations

Faculty, staff, and students who operate UAS in violation of this and other applicable University policies may be subject to disciplinary actions, including loss of the privilege to operate UAS on behalf of Illinois State University or on University Property. 

Legal prohibitions regarding presence on University Property/trespassing and other legal action may also be pursued against third parties that operate UAS in violation of this policy. 

Third parties who violate University policies may lose the privilege to operate on Illinois State University Property. 

Unauthorized Flights

Any flight that is not authorized by the University will be considered a breach of University Policy. Faculty, staff, and students who operate UAS in violation of policy may be subject to disciplinary actions. 

Unauthorized flights over University Property should be reported to University Police through the non-emergency phone line (309-438-8631).

UAS operation that appears dangerous or is being used to commit a crime should immediately be reported to local law enforcement.

UAS flights not following FAA rules may be reported to the local FAA Flight Standards District Office. 

Unauthorized drone operators may be subject to penalties and criminal charges. 

Appendix 1. Hobbyist Flight Location

The designated 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) are not permitted.

Figure 1:View of 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.