(A)
Policy statement and purpose
The operation of unmanned aircraft
systems (UAS) including drones and model aircraft, is regulated by the federal
aviation administration (FAA) and relevant state law. Bowling Green state
university (BGSU) seeks to permit UAS to be utilized productively in a manner
that fully meets institutional, legal, public safety, and ethical
responsibilities. Operation of a UAS on or over university property, and the
use of university owned UAS, will comply with this policy.
(B)
Policy definitions
Unmanned aircraft system (UAS):
Any any remotely operated or controlled
aircraft intended to fly within the national airspace system. Includes devices
commonly referred to as drones and may also include communications, support,
and navigational equipment. FAA regulations apply to all types of UAS
regardless of weight or size.
University property:
Buildings, buildings grounds, and land that
are owned by Bowling Green state university, or controlled by Bowling Green
state university via lease or other contractual agreement.
Certificate of authorization (COA) or
waiver:
A
a
certificate granted to an individual or entity by the FAA for a specific
aircraft for a specific activity for a specific location.
333 Exemption:
An
an FAA exemption
under section 333 of the Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 which grants an
individual or entity the ability to operate a UAS for civil and
non-governmental purposes and activities, other than recreational and hobbyist
activity.
Model aircraft:
An an unmanned aircraft system that is 1)
flown for hobby or recreational purpose's as defined in the FAA Modernization
and Reform Act of 2012; 2) capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere; and
3) flown within visual line of sight of the operator.
Operator:
Pilot
pilot or individual
who is controlling, maneuvering, or commanding a UAS.
(C)
Policy
scope
This policy applies to:
(1)
Employees and
students operating UAS in any location as part of their university employment
or as part of university academic/research program;
(2)
The operation by
any person of UAS on or above BGSU property;
(3)
The purchase and
operation of UAS with funding through the university, including grants and
foundation accounts: and
(4)
The hiring or contracting for any UAS services with an
outside vendor
This policy does not apply to use by
law enforcement in the scope of their duties.
(D)
Policy
UAS use for the purpose of this policy
will fall into one of three categories as defined by the FAA:Government
government use
(BGSU-owned). commercial use (contracted vendor), and private/hobbyist use (on
or above university property). Each category requires the UAS operator to
follow different procedures before UAS use. The following requirements govern
the use of UAS within the scope identified in this policy.
(1)
Any individual or
group, including employees, students and contracted vendors, seeking to operate
a UAS on university property, or anywhere on behalf of BGSU. is responsible for
obtaining all required documentation and approvals for compliance with FAA
regulations, federal and state laws, and university policies..
(2)
The university's
office of risk management, in conjunction with BGSU police, shall be
responsible for university policy, approvals, and instructions regarding UAS
use on or above university property, and for UAS use pursuant to university
employment and academic/research programs.
(3)
Private/hobbyist
use of UAS and model aircraft on or above university property is not
permitted.
(4)
Government and commercial use on or above university
property, or elsewhere on behalf of the university, must be approved in advance
through the office of risk management to ensure compliance and insurance
coverage.
(5)
UAS shall be operated in a responsible manner and shall
not create a hazard to university property, the university community, or the
public at any time.
(6)
In operating a UAS for purposes of recording or
transmitting visual images, operators must take all reasonable measures to
avoid violations of areas normally considered private, and the unauthorized
interception or recordings of images, electronic communications, and electronic
data.
(E)
Violation and accountability
Individuals that violate this policy
will be subject to corrective action procedures as defined in the appropriate
employee handbook, collective bargaining agreement, student code of conduct,
federal, state, and local laws, or as per the Revised Code.
