Policy

This policy is established to require and ensure compliance with ALL applicable laws, reduce safety risks, and preserve the security and privacy of members of the Colorado College community.  This policy primarily responds to FAA guidelines and requirements that promote safe and responsible use of unmanned aircraft.  All faculty, staff, students, contractors, volunteers, the general public present on Colorado College campus and property, and any person who may be involved in operating a drone from or above Colorado College campus or property are governed by this policy.  Any use of a drone from or over the campus or inside a campus building is strictly prohibited except under the following circumstances.  Any suspected violations are to be reported to Campus Safety.

Administrative, Educational or Research Use

• The use of drones is permitted for administrative, educational and research purposes with the following conditions outlined here.
• All educational and research drone uses must perform only in areas designated in the Guide For Drone Pilots map: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/its/.
  • Any drone operations outside of these areas must follow the Administrative use outlined below.
• All drone uses must follow the review and approval process outlined in the procedures section and a decision will be made at least 48 hours prior to the use of the drone.
• All requests must include information on the date/time, purpose, and length of drone operations, as well as the area of the campus where the drone will be used.
  • Pilot responsibilities:
    • Must comply with all federal, state and city laws.
    • An authorized individual who does not have the Part 107 certification may only operate a drone in the presence of a certified Part 107 pilot.
    • Must not operate over areas of public assembly, stadium, or areas of construction.
    • Must not photograph, video, or monitor areas where other members of the college community or members of the general public would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
    • If conducted by a non-CC employee, the operator must provide a certificate of aircraft liability insurance with a minimum combined single limit of $1,000,000 and name Colorado College as an additional insured.
  • Any violations of law (trespassing, illegal surveillance, reckless endangerment) or violations of Colorado College policies may subject the individual(s) to both criminal and/or disciplinary action in accordance with faculty, staff, and student processes.

Hobby or Recreational Use:

• The use of drones for hobby or recreational use on Colorado College property is permitted and must follow all federal and local regulations on their use. Acceptable areas for drone use is designated in the Guide for Drone Pilots map: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/its/.
  • Any drone operations outside of these areas must follow the Administrative use outlined above.
  • Hobbyist responsibilities:
    • Must comply with all federal, state and city laws.
    • Must not operate over areas of public assembly, stadium, or areas of construction.
    • Must not photograph, video, or monitor areas where other members of the college community or members of the general public would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Civil Operations/Commercial Use:

• All civil (commercial, contract, or College owned) operated drones must comply with all federal (FAA), state, and local laws. The use of commercially owned Unmanned Aircraft Systems is permitted for institutional, educational or research purposes.
  • Must obtain prior approval at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed use of the drone.
  • A drone operator must provide a certificate of liability insurance with a minimum combined single limit of $1,000,000 and name Colorado College as an additional insured.
  • A commercially owned (college or contract) operator must file a "flight plan" including date, time, and duration of flight and operational area 48 hours prior to commencing the drone flight.
• A contract operator must be accompanied by a representative of the College at all times.
• The drone may not operate over areas of public assembly, athletic fields, or populated areas.
• The drone is not permitted to photograph, video, or monitor areas of the College where other members of the College community would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. (See above).
• Any violations of law (trespassing, illegal surveillance, reckless endangerment) or violations of College policies may subject the individual to both criminal and/or disciplinary action. Damages/injuries occurring to college property or individuals will be the responsibility of the drone operator.

Procedures

All non-hobbyist requests to fly a drone over college property must follow these procedures:

• A Colorado College department and representative must be identified that will sponsor/support the request. Approval from the division/cabinet member is required.
• Completion of the UAS/Drone Use Approval Form: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/its/.
• Requests are to be submitted at least 14 days prior to the proposed flight date in order to receive approval within 48 hours of the proposed flight.
  • Return the form digitally through DocuSign or email directly to the Director of Educational Solutions
  • The proposed flight plan, drone and FAA information, and proof of insurance are to be included with the request form.
• The review committee includes representation from ITS, Risk Management, and Campus Safety
• A decision to approve or disapprove will be communicated to the requestor via email.

All Hobbyist or Recreational users must follow the guidelines outlined under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.

• Drone users must only fly for hobby or recreation purposes.
• The drone must be registered with the FAA as a model aircraft.
• Drone must be flown within visual line-of-sight.
• Drone users are responsible in following community-based safety guidelines.
• Drone must be less than 55 lbs.
• Drone users should not fly near other aircraft.
• Users are responsible in notifying the airport and air traffic control tower prior to flying within 5 miles of an airport where applicable.
• Drone users most not fly near emergency response efforts.

Definitions