11.03 / Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)

UAS Operation

Requirements for UAS Operators

1. University Approval

   Unless otherwise stated in this policy, all UAS Operators must obtain approval from the University to operate a UAS, in accordance with the procedures of this policy.

2. Local, State, and Federal Approvals

   UAS Operators must comply with all local, state, and federal requirements for registration, permitting, certification, licensing, and testing in relation to the operation of a UAS. At all times while operating a UAS, UAS Operators shall carry proof of any required permit, registration, license, or test passage on their persons and present such proof upon request.

3. Law Enforcement Use

   Operation of UASs by law enforcement on University Premises, including both UPD and non-University law enforcement, is always authorized, subject to applicable law and government regulations. Non-University law enforcement shall coordinate flights, to the extent possible, with UPD.

UAS Operation Standards

1. Standards for UAS Operation Anywhere On University Premises

   The operation of UASs at any location on University Premises is subject to the following restrictions:
   1. No flying over people that are not directly involved with the operation of the UAS;
   2. No flying in an unsafe manner;
   3. No flying beyond the operator's ability to see the UAS;
   4. No flying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
   5. No flying close to another Aircraft so as to create a collision hazard; and
   6. No monitoring, recording, or photographing of spaces where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy. These areas include, but are not limited to, restrooms, residential rooms, changing or dressing rooms, and health treatment rooms.

2. Additional Standards for Outdoor Operation On University Premises

   The operation of a UAS at outdoor locations on University Premises must also comply with the following:
   1. No flying above 400 ft.;
   2. No flying outside daytime hours, defined as 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset; provided that during the 30 minutes before official sunrise and the 30 minutes after official sunset, the UAS must have lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision;
   3. No flying in a manner that interferes with air traffic;
   4. No flying over moving vehicles; and
   5. Any other requirements for operation of a UAS required by local, state, or federal laws, including FAA regulations and guidelines, that are in addition to or stricter than the requirements of this policy.

Standards for University-Affiliated Operators Off University Premises

UAS Supplier Restrictions

1. The University and University-Affiliated Operators are prohibited from purchasing, using, operating, or delivering a UAS that fails to comply with any security or supplier restrictions required under local, state, or federal laws or regulations, or any additional requirements imposed to meet federal contract obligations, research mission needs, or the general security needs of the University.
2. To ensure compliance with all security and supplier restrictions and requirements, all agreements to lease or purchase a UAS must be submitted for review by Information Security, prior to execution of the agreement by the University.
3. Any University owned or operated UAS that is not in compliance, and cannot be brought into compliance, with the requirements of any local, state, or federal laws or regulations, or any additional requirements imposed to meet federal contract obligations, research mission needs, or the general security needs of the University must be surrendered to Information Security for disposition.

Video Footage and Photographic Images

Compliance

1. Operating a UAS in a manner that interferes with campus operations, poses hazards to any person or University facilities, equipment, or other property, or that violates any University policy, or local, state or federal law, may result in the immediate suspension or revocation of permission to operate on University Premises and/or a ban on further flights on University Premises for up to a year or more, depending upon the severity of the violation.
2. University-Affiliated Operators may also be subject to corrective action or disciplinary sanctions under applicable University policies, including this policy.
3. UAS Operators may also be subject to civil or criminal penalties and seizure of the UAS by UPD. Fines, damages, and claims against a UAS Operator will be the responsibility of that individual.

1. Aircraft: A device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air.
2. Controlled Affiliated Organizations: Wichita State University Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Inc., Wichita State University Union Corporation, Wichita State University Innovation Alliance, Inc., and WSIA Investments Corporation
3. Employee: An individual who provides services to the University on a regular basis in exchange for compensation and receives a W-2 for such services. This includes temporary and part-time Employees.
4. Third-Party Operator: Any individual or entity that operates a UAS on University Premises who is not a University-Affiliated Operator.
5. UAS Operator: Includes University-Affiliated Operators and Third-Party Operators.
6. University: Wichita State University and Controlled Affiliated Organizations.
7. University-Affiliated Operator: A member of the University Community who operates a UAS for a purpose that is directly affiliated with the University's mission, including but not limited to educational, research, administrative, or business-related activities, programs, or projects.
8. Unmanned Aircraft System (or "UAS"): Aircraft and accompanying systems (including communication links and the components that control the UAS) that are operated without the possibility of human intervention from within or on the Aircraft.
9. University Community: The University and its Employees, faculty, students, clubs, organizations, centers, departments, colleges, or anyone authorized in writing to act on behalf of the University.
10. University Premises: University Premises includes University owned land, buildings and vehicles; buildings and land leased by the University from an affiliated corporation or a third party; and any other property controlled by the University that is set forth by agreement that the University may restrict access. University Premises may change from time to time. A list of campus locations may be found in the University's Annual Security Report that is located on the University's Clery webpage.

Approval for All UAS Operation On or Over University Premises

1. Submit Request

   With the exception of law enforcement, anyone desiring to operate a UAS on or over University Premises must request University approval by submitting an online UAS Flight Authorization Request.

2. Deadline for Request

   1. Requests for a University-Affiliated Operator should be submitted at least five days before the desired flight.
   2. Requests for a Third-Party Operator must be submitted at least seven days before the desired flight time.

3. Required Documentation

   UAS Operators must provide the following:
   1. Proof of compliance with any FAA airspace and operational requirements for UASs;
   2. Third-Party Operators must also agree to the WSU Terms and Conditions for Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

4. Review

   The request will require review and approval by UPD, and possibly other stakeholders, including but not limited to the Office of General Counsel, Property Management, and Strategic Communications for requests from media outlets.

Additional Approval for Indoor Operation On University Premises

1. Indoor operation of a UAS on University Premises will also require approval from the University Employee who has been authorized with oversight for the requested space or building. UPD will contact the respective authorized Employee regarding the requested indoor operation.
2. Indoor operation will only be approved for locations suitable for such use and must follow any additional University and/or departmental guidelines established for the space.

Approval for Operation Off University Premises

Accident Reporting

Additional Information