E-470 Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Flight
| Authority | Vice President for Academic Affairs/CAO |
| Effective Date | June 15, 2022 |
| Revision Date | |
| Reviewed Date | |
| Related Policies | |
| Related Forms, Policies, Procedures, Statute | Federal Aviation Administration Code of Federal Regulations Title 14 Part 107 – Small Unmanned Aircraft System |
The College recognizes that the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), along with Remote-Operated Aircraft (ROA) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as “drones,” can significantly contribute to College academic programs and instructor-led service/outreach activities in a variety of disciplines.
The College prohibits employee and student operation of UAVs except for instructional use in an academic program. The Vice President for Academic Affairs must approve academic programs to operate UAVs. The College secures sufficient Districts Mutual Insurance (DMI) coverage for UAV operations in authorized academic programs.
The College will operate UAVs per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Title 14 CFR Part 107. Instructors in authorized academic programs must comply with all applicable FAA regulations and any additional operating restrictions specified by DMI to reduce college risks to community safety, security, and privacy.
The College may contract with commercial UAV operators to meet its business or educational needs. The Vice President must approve UAV service contracts for Administrative Services. Contractors must provide appropriate documentation of qualifications and insurance for all UAV services.
Local law enforcement uses UAV technology to execute a search warrant or, as part of a tactical response to an immediate threat, is automatically authorized, subject to applicable law and government regulations.