Drone Operation

Policy and Procedures for the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs)/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/Drones

All faculty, staff, administrators, students, or outside vendors who wish to operate a UAS/UAV/Drone on campus or in the course of research, teaching or other University-related endeavors must work with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) and the UAS Review Committee to ensure appropriate legal use. Stanislaus State operators must ensure compliance with all campus policies and procedures, as well as applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations prior to flying a UAS/UAV/Drone.

The FAA has jurisdiction over all navigable airspace in the United States.  All aircraft, whether manned or unmanned, are subject to FAA rules and regulations if flown outdoors. Outdoor use of UAVs weighing 0.55 pounds or more requires FAA approval. Indoor use is not subject to FAA rules, but is subject to review and approval by the Stanislaus State UAS Review Committee.

Any faculty, staff, administrators, or students operating a UAS/UAV/Drone for hobby or recreational purposes (purely personal use) are advised to consult the local chapter of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) to locate an AMA sanctioned location where such use is approved.

University Policy Governing the Legal Use of UASs/UAVs

Flight Operations Proposal
Any UAS/UAV flight on campus requires prior approval of the University UAS Review Committee.  This includes flight operations by all faculty, staff, administrators, students, or outside vendors (including facility event rentals).  All Flight Operations Proposals must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the proposed flight to allow for adequate review of the proposal. 

Required Insurance for the Use of UAS/UAVs

All faculty, staff, and students should work with the Office of Safety and Risk Management to ensure proper insurance requirements are met for the use of University-owned UAVs.

The operator of any UAS/UAV not owned by the University will need to provide the following proof of insurance with the submission of the Flight Operations Proposal.

Insurance Requirements for the Use of UAVs

Insurance:  Owner/Operator shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damage to property which may arise from or in connection with the ownership, maintenance or use of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The University shall be named as additional insured to the insurance policy, as evidenced by an endorsement form that modifies the policy.

Minimum Scope and limit of Insurance:  Coverage shall be at least as broad as:
Aviation Liability Insurance on an “occurrence” basis, including products and completed operations, property damage, bodily injury with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $2,000,000 in the aggregate.  This coverage may also be provided by endorsement to a Commercial General Liability policy.  In that event then:

1. Commercial General Liability (CGL):  Insurance Services Office Form CG 00 01 covering CGL on an “occurrence” basis, including products and completed operations, property damage, bodily injury and personal & advertising injury with limits no less than $2,000,000 per occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location (ISO CG 25 03 or 25 04) or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit. 
2. Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits, and Employer’s Liability Insurance with limit of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.
3. RATING: Coverage must be placed with an insurance company with an AM Best rating of A VII or equivalent unless otherwise agreed to by the University.
4. DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS: The COI must show specific information as to the date(s) and event for which it’s being issued.
5. ADDITIONAL INSURED ENDORSEMENT FORM: Accompanying the COI must be a separate endorsement to the policy naming:  the State of California, the Trustees of the California State University, the California State University Stanislaus, and their auxiliaries, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives and agents of each of them as additional insureds, except for professional liability and workers’ compensation insurance. The endorsement must show the policy number stated on the COI.
6. CANCELLATION: Be in compliance with the latest revised Acord form standard cancellation language "Should any of the above described policies be cancelled before the expiration date thereof, notice will be delivered in accordance with the policy provisions."

For More Information

Email: orsp@csustan.edu
Call: (209) 667-3493