Drone (sUAS) Policy & Permission
Wartburg College recognizes that the operation of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), also referred to as “drones,” are popular for both recreational and educational usage. This policy establishes minimal requirements for the safe operation of sUAS and shall be a reference to assist with compliance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements, state laws, local ordinances and University policies and procedures.
sUASs may be flown by both college (faculty, staff, and students) and non-college users if the flight adheres to all limits prescribed by this policy. As a private institution, all flight operations of non-college users must be approved by college officials at least three days in advance. Such approval should be obtained by the Marketing & Communication Office. Users shall keep a copy of the approval and present it upon request.
sUAS operators must be FAA Part 107 licensed and comply with all applicable FAA regulations as well as all state and local laws and ordinances. This includes flying below 400ft. AGL, avoiding flight in inclement weather & not flying over non-participants.
sUAS shall not be used to monitor or record areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in accordance with accepted social norms. These areas include, but are not limited to, restrooms, residential rooms, changing or dressing rooms, and health treatment rooms.
The college has the right to immediately suspend or terminate the operation of a sUAS by any means necessary if it interferes with campus operations, poses hazards to any person or college facilities, equipment, or other property, or has not received the proper approvals.
Persons wishing to operate a UAS on college property must complete the drone permission form below, which will include the following requirements:
- Proof of current FAA Part 107 pilot rating, compliance with all sUAS airspace and operational rules.
- A flight plan indicating where flights will occur, a written statement of how any recorded footage will be used, and a backup plan in the event of a broken link or flyaway.
- An agreement to hold the college harmless should the user’s sUAS technology be damaged during flight.
- Insurance company information in the event college property is damaged during a sUAS flight & proof of a $1,000,000.00 liability policy, at minimum.
- sUAS is equipped with FFA-approved remote identification.