DRONE AND MODEL AIRCRAFT POLICY

These rules govern the use of drones and model aircraft on or above all property owned, rented, leased, and operationally controlled by Pierce College by:

(1) All faculty, employees, students, contractors, and college volunteers operating.

(2) Any person in operation of a drone or model aircraft.

The operation of drones and model aircraft is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and relevant state law. Pierce College is committed to ensuring compliance with those legal standards and reducing risks to safety, security, and privacy. The use of any drone or model aircraft either on or above college property or by a college employee or student during a college activity is prohibited, unless prior authorization for such use is obtained from the infrastructure department.

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions are used:

(1) "Drones," also referred to as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), means an aircraft without a human pilot onboard as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) but may be called an unmanned aerial vehicle, quadcopter, quadrotor, model aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft system or similar.

(2) "Model aircraft" means unmanned aircraft systems that are used solely for hobby and/or recreational purposes. A model aircraft is capable of sustained flight and must be flown within the visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft.

(3) "Official college business" means activities performed by faculty, students, staff, registered volunteers, or contractors as directed by the college to accomplish college business or programs as required by the duties of their position or office.

The following are exceptions from required prior authorization:

(1) First responder operations conducted in accordance with applicable laws.

(2) Approved college staff operators that are on official college business for use in public safety purposes which include, but are not limited to, inspection of buildings, rooftops, trees, or other areas of concern that may pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of students and employees.

The use of drones on or above college property will only be for official college business by employees, students, or third-party contractors of the college when granted authorization to do so.

Any college employee or student who wishes to operate a drone as part of their college employment, or an official college activity, or third-party contractor must first have approval by the infrastructure department. There is no authorized use of drones on college Joint Base Lewis McChord locations.

Recreational use of drones is prohibited from operating on or above college property.

College or recreational use of model aircraft is prohibited from operating on or above college property.

Operators are prohibited in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy which include, but are not limited to, residence buildings or facilities, restrooms, changing and dressing rooms, counseling centers, day care centers, college offices and work areas, and similar locations.

Any persons found in violation of this policy will be asked to cease flight operations. In the case of refusal, the college may trespass or pursue other legal action against persons found in violation. If the operator is a Pierce College employee or student, violations of college policy or procedure may also result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Damages resulting from the use of drones or model aircraft shall be the responsibility of the persons or units involved.