DRONE AND MODEL AIRCRAFT POLICY

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

(1) All faculty, employees, students, contractors, and college volunteers using or operating a drone or model aircraft.

(2) Any person using or operating a drone or model aircraft.

The operation of drones and model aircraft is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and relevant state law and users and operators must comply with those laws and these rules. Pierce College is committed to reducing risks to safety, security, and privacy through existing law and these rules. The use or operation of any drone or model aircraft either (1) on or above college property or (2) by a college employee or student during a college activity, is prohibited, unless prior authorization for such use or operation is obtained from the Pierce College infrastructure department.

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

(1) "Drones" are considered unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and are under 55 pounds and used for hobby, recreational, business, or commercial use and are regulated under the National Airspace System 14 C.F.R. Part 107, often referred to as Small UAS Rule or through a limited statutory exception outlining a basic set of requirements. Drones are often, but not limited to, single- or multi-rotor systems.

(2) "Model aircraft," also known as "recreational flyers," are considered UAS and viewed differently by the FAA than other UAS (like drones) and may fall within an exception to FAA oversight. Model aircraft operations are for hobby or recreational purposes only and are not for business or commercial purposes. Statutory parameters of a model aircraft operation are outlined in 49 U.S.C. § 44809.

(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) City, county, state, and/or federal law enforcement officials acting in their official capacity and in the event of a clear and present danger or active threat that causes immediate concerns to the life and safety of our students and employees on or adjacent to college property.

(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 or operation 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 authorization from the infrastructure department. There is no authorized use of drones on college Joint Base Lewis McChord locations.

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

College or recreational use or operation of model aircraft is prohibited 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 nonpublic work areas, and similar locations.

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