Gettysburg College Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy

Purpose of Policy

This policy establishes guidelines for the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, at Gettysburg College to support academic and administrative work while managing risks to third parties, pedestrians, air traffic, and privacy. The policy aims to promote compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations while balancing the potential benefits of UAS technology with safety and privacy concerns on campus and in the surrounding community.

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all Gettysburg College employees, students, and third-party operators conducting UAS operations on college grounds or in connection with college activities. The policy covers both professional and recreational use of UAS, establishing different requirements and restrictions for each category. The policy also applies to college-sponsored activities conducted abroad, requiring compliance with both FAA regulations and local country regulations.

Definitions

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Remotely piloted aircraft, commonly known as drones, including the aircraft, control station, and data links between them.
• Professional Purpose: Use of UAS for academic research, administrative functions, marketing, facilities management, or other college-related business activities.
• Recreational Purpose: Personal use of UAS for hobby, entertainment, or non-business activities.
• FAA: Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating civil aviation.
• Third-Party Operator: An external contractor or service provider hired to operate UAS on behalf of the college.
• Campus Safety: The campus safety department responsible for security and emergency response at Gettysburg College.
• President's Council: The senior administrative leadership team at Gettysburg College.

Policy Description

Policy Rationale: Unmanned Aircraft Systems, also known as drones, have the potential to support the College's academic and administrative work on campus and beyond, and to enhance the residential and co-curricular activities of students. However, they also represent risks to third parties, especially pedestrians and air traffic. In addition, since drones can be used for photography and videography, they pose a risk to privacy.

Gettysburg College's campus is home to students and is frequently visited on foot by parents, alumni, and other visitors. Equally, the College campus is frequently flown over at low altitude by light aircraft and helicopters. In addition, the risks posed to pedestrians and air traffic from UAS continue beyond campus.

Policy:

UAS Used for Professional Purpose

Gettysburg College employees, including students when acting within the scope of employment, will comply with the regulations published by the Federal Aviation Administration. If working abroad, they will comply with the regulations of the country in which they are working, in addition to the FAA regulations.

UAS Used for Recreational Purpose

Gettysburg College prohibits all recreational use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems on its grounds.

Procedure for an employee wishing to use a UAS:

• Obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate by:
  • Being at least 16 years old
  • Passing the FAA Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test
  • Undergoing TSA vetting
• Register the UAS with the FAA (if it weighs between 0.55 and 55 pounds)
• Comply with all FAA Part 107 operational requirements, including:
  • Flying only during daylight or civil twilight
  • Maintaining visual line of sight
  • Yielding right of way to manned aircraft
  • Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level
  • Not flying over people (unless they meet specific Part 107 exceptions)
• Maintain current Remote Pilot Certificate and aircraft registration documentation
• Notify Campus Safety, at least 48 hours in advance, of the date, time, and location of all flights
  • Campus Safety may require Campus Safety personnel to be on site during the flight at the discretion of Campus Safety

Procedure to engage the services of a third-party operator of a UAS

• Third-party operators may only be hired by Department Directors, Academic Department Chairs, or members of the President's Council.
• The third-party operator must complete this form and include:
  • A copy of their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Proof of UAS registration with the FAA
  • Proof of liability insurance
  • Acknowledgement and agreement to comply with all College policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws
• The Department Director, Academic Department Chair, or member of President’s Council who hires the third-party operator is required to maintain this documentation and to produce it upon request.
• The Department Director, Academic Department Chair, or member of President’s Council who hires the third-party operator is required to notify Campus Safety, at least 48 hours in advance, of the date, time, and location of all flights.
  • Campus Safety may require Campus Safety personnel to be on site during the flight at the discretion of Campus Safety
  • The employee hiring the third-party operator must remain on site for the entire flight.

UAS Insurance Coverage
Each UAS owned by the College or used for a Professional Purpose must be registered with the College’s insurance carrier prior to any flight by contacting the Office of Risk Management.

Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with this policy and the procedures outlined above will entail the following consequences:

Non-Compliant Employees:

• None of the employees responsible for the flight of the UAS will be covered by the College's insurance. This includes employees who were engaged in the planning, decision-making process, or operational support, as well as the employee who was in control of the UAS during its flight.
• All employees responsible for the flight of the UAS will be subject to progressive disciplinary measures. This includes employees who were engaged in the planning, decision-making process, or operational support, as well as the employee who was in control of the UAS during its flight.

Non-Compliant Students:

• Students who are non-compliant with this policy will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for proper resolution.

Non-Compliant Members of the Public:

• Members of the public who fly drones on the College's grounds will be subject to appropriate enforcement action by Campus Safety or law enforcement.

Policy Management

The policy owner is responsible for the implementation and oversight of this policy. Department Directors, Academic Department Chairs, and members of the President's Council have the authority to hire third-party UAS operators. Campus Safety is responsible for receiving flight notifications and coordinating campus safety during UAS operations.

Related Materials

• Federal Aviation Administration UAS Regulations: https://www.faa.gov/uas/
• FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Regulations
• International Aviation Regulations (for overseas operations)
• Third-Party Agreement