UAV and Multi-Propeller Drones Policy

Policy Statement

Calvin University has established an unmanned aircraft systems (drone) policy which applies to all employees, students, contractors, volunteers, and guests. The operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), a drone, is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Operation by any person of a UAS, from or above University property, is governed by this policy.

Applies to

This policy is established to ensure compliance with ALL federal, state, and local laws, reduce safety risks, and preserve the security and privacy for all members of the Calvin community. This policy applies to the entire University community.

FAA Regulations and Requirements

The FAA classifies UAS use as one of three types:

• Public —Governmental
• Civil Operations—Non-Governmental
• Model Aircraft—Hobby or recreation only

FAA UAS Pilot classifications:

• Drone Recreational Flyer—a person who is not certified to fly drones formally, but flies drones at 400 feet or less with FAA approval.
• Small UAS Rule Part 107 Certified—Level of achieved certification to fly drones formally, which may include above 400 feet with FAA approval.

A portion of Calvin University is within 5 miles of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Therefore, it is required that you:

• Request FAA approval (LAANC—Low Altitude Authorization and Notification) for all recreational flyers and Part 107 Certified flyers and log all flights of drones on Calvin University Campus.

• Submit the Calvin University Drone Registration Form to notify us that you have obtained FAA approval.

Steps to take

• For all recreational flyers and those Federally 107 certified, you must register your drone, regardless of size with the FAA. The typical cost is $5. This is required by the FAA and by Calvin University. Register your drone here and document your drone number: https://faadronezone.faa.gov/#/home. You must include this for Calvin University.

• After you have registered your drone with the FAA Drone Zone, you must file a flight plan with the FAA, and be approved. This is easy to do and usually is granted immediately by the FAA. It will allow all medical helicopters to avoid your drone flight as well. You must do this to legally fly your drone at Calvin University. To do this, you must download any of the following apps, register with the app, complete the flight plan, and submit the plan to the FAA:
  • Aeronyde
  • AirMap
  • AiRXOS
  • Converge
  • Kittyhawk
  • Skyward
  • UASidekick
• Once you have approval, you then must submit the Drone Registration Form to the Campus Safety Department to ensure we know you have approval and that you will be flying a drone on campus. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action by the University. All UAS approval requests must be submitted at least one business day prior to use of a UAS.

Rules and regulations

• All FAA regulations must be adhered to.
• All student, staff and academic departments possessing a drone on campus will be subject to these regulations.
• The Campus Safety Department will enforce all regulations.
• The campus community will be expected to report any reckless, irresponsible, and malicious activity to the Campus Safety Department.