Policies of Colorado State University

University Policy

Policy Title: Aircraft on University Property/Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)	Category: Administration
Owner: Vice President for University Operations	Policy ID#: 5-6030-014
Contact: Risk Management & Insurance Web: https://rmi.colostate.edu Phone: 970-491-6745 Also Contact: Facilities Management-Dispatch Web: https://www.fm.colostate.edu/ Email: fac_pg_shared_dispatch@mail.colostate.edu Phone: (970) 491-0077	Original Effective Date: 4/1/1999 Last Revision: 10/24/2024

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

Colorado State University (CSU) must follow federal and state laws, as well as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, regarding Aircraft, including Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). Because using this equipment can be risky, CSU requires proper safety measures, insurance, and oversight for flying UAS on CSU property, at CSU events, or for CSU-related activities off-campus.

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to anyone flying Aircraft, including UAS and model Aircraft, on or from CSU property. This includes CSU employees, students, people working under CSU’s direction, and visitors. It also covers UAS operations off-campus if related to CSU-sponsored activities. Emergency landings (like LifeLine helicopter operations or wildfire management) are not covered by this policy.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

Public operations by law enforcement and emergency services using Aircraft are not covered by this policy.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY

Aircraft: Any vehicle or device that can fly (tethered or otherwise), including airplanes, gliders, helicopters, drones (UAS), hot air balloons, and rockets.
Campus or University Property: Land and buildings owned or controlled by CSU, including leased or licensed properties.
Civil Operations: UAS operations for commercial purposes, including university business, teaching, and research, except public operations.
Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA): FAA authorization for specific UAS activities, not usually required for small UAS operations under Part 107.
Non-owned UAS: UAS used for university activities but not owned by the university.
Part 107: FAA rules for small UAS (under 55 lbs.), requiring a Remote Pilot in Command or supervised credentialed pilot for operations.
Public Operations: UAS operations for government purposes like law enforcement or research, requiring a COA.
Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS): A drone and all necessary equipment for flying and controlling it. FAA rules apply to UAS of any size which are flown outdoors.

POLICY STATEMENT

Aircraft, especially UAS, are valuable for university programs and research. They can assist in various fields like research, land management, and marketing. However, they also pose safety risks and legal issues. Therefore, only trained and authorized people should operate them according to legal requirements.

Using Aircraft on CSU property involves several risks:

The main campus is densely populated, increasing safety risks.
Aircraft operations can be noisy and distracting, affecting instruction and research.
Many Aircraft require certifications CSU doesn’t have.
Aircraft might invade privacy or cause other issues like unauthorized soliciting or distracted driving.
Compliance with Part 107 restrictions, especially those regarding flying over people, is challenging on campus.

POLICY PROVISIONS

Compliance: Everyone must follow FAA regulations, state and federal laws, and university policies for flying Aircraft, whether for personal, recreational, or university purposes.
Authorization: University employees, students, and volunteers must get approval from the CSU Drone Center and Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) to operate a UAS for university work under Part 107 or a COA. This includes indoor flights.
CSU Drone Center: Assists with understanding FAA rules, obtaining waivers and airspace authorizations, conducting mission planning, providing aircraft consulting and support services. Contact them for more information.
Pre-Flight Requirements: To fly under Part 107, complete all necessary insurance and pre-flight paperwork. In certain circumstances, non-certified people can fly under a certified pilot’s supervision.
FAA Rules: Follow all Part 107 rules unless responding to an in-flight emergency or flying pursuant to a waiver. For international UAS use, consult the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and Export Control Officer (ECO).
Purchasing UAS: Inform the CSU Drone Center and RMI when buying UAS or UAS services with university funds to ensure compliance and insurance.
Recreational Use: UAS for personal use on CSU property is only allowed in designated areas like Christman Field, with prior approval and FAA TRUST certification. Flying over the university stadium, the Intramural Fields, or any areas with persons is strictly prohibited.

Restrictions and Requirements on University Property

Privacy and Surveillance: Avoid recording in private areas and comply with the CSU Policy on Electronic Surveillance. Get approval for operations near campus residences.
Prohibited Conduct: Don’t use UAS while under the influence of a controlled substance. Don’t fly carelessly or recklessly. Don’t fly over non-participants without proper authorization. Flying over the university stadium, the Intramural Fields, or any areas with persons is strictly prohibited.
Non-University UAS: Must get approval from RMI and provide liability insurance and proof of FAA certification.
Flight Requests: Submit detailed requests for flights on university property at least 14 days in advance.
Landing Support: Some aircraft may require additional services or equipment. Costs for these services will be charged to the requesting party.

Flights Scheduling

CSU may designate areas for UAS flights, which must be scheduled and approved in advance. Priority is given to university research and teaching, availability will vary depending on the nature and purpose of the flight among other factors. Send scheduling requests to Facilities Management Scheduling Office at least14 days in advance.

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

Failure to comply with this policy can lead to disciplinary action, including termination. Improper UAS use may also lead to civil or criminal charges. CSU will not cover fines or damages for legal or illegal violations; those involved will be responsible.

Feel free to ask if you need any more information or have further questions.

REFERENCES

Federal Aviation Administration:

PROCEDURES, FORMS AND TOOLS

Office of Risk Management & Insurance, Drone Use at CSU (includes Drone Approval Request Form)

FAQs for this Policy http://policylibrary.colostate.edu/attachments/746.UAS Policy FAQs.pdf

CSU Drone Center

FAA Drone Zone

APPROVALS

Effective April, 1999

Revision approved by Lynn Johnson, Vice President for University Operations on September 6, 2016

Revision approved by Lynn Johnson, Vice President for University Operations on March 13, 2020

Revision approved by Brendan Hanlon, Vice President for University Operations on October 24, 2024