Procedure 6.13.1 - Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems or Drones

Part 1: Compliance

All Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drone operations over 0.5 lbs. must be in compliance with FAA regulations and State of Minnesota regulations. In addition:

Subpart A: On-campus operations of a UAS or Drone

  1. All UAS or drone flights regardless of size must be conducted for purposes that benefit Lake Superior College (LSC) academics, public relations, communications, formally sanctioned programs, facilities, or operations, or for Lake Superior College-endorsed commercial reasons.
  2. All UAS or drones over 0.5 lbs. must be conducted by or under the direct supervision of a pilot with a current FAA Remote Pilot’s Certificate. The certified pilot must either be Lake Superior College faculty or professional staff or be under the direct supervision of Lake Superior College faculty or professional staff. 
  3. Any LSC office or organizing department hiring a third party to utilize a UAS or drone shall contact the LSC Business Office to ensure that the UAS owner and operator have adequate liability insurance and take appropriate risk mitigation arrangements.
  4. The certified pilot must serve as the Pilot in Command as defined by UAS Pilot Certification Standards for all UAS or drones over 0.5 lbs. 
  5. Any Lake Superior College-owned UAS or drone over 0.5 lbs. must be insured through LSC’s Business Office.
  6. Any UAS or drone (over 0.5 lbs) pilot must have the following items on record with the LSC Business Office at least seven (7) days prior to the flight date:
  7. Pilot’s FAA license
  8. FAA Drone Registration
  9. Certificate of Insurance
  10. The Permission Request and Document Submission Form is available here.
  11. Requires that operators of UAS or drones over 0.5 lbs., upon request, must be able to present written verification of, an up-to-date flight log, maintenance schedule, and verification of inspection within the last calendar year. 
  12. All UAS or drone flights, regardless of size, must be reported to the LSC Security Office with exact flight times and location at least seven (7) days prior to the flight date.
  13. Any UAS or drone flight resulting in injuries or damage to or on Lake Superior College property – no matter how minor – must be immediately reported to the LSC Security Office.
  14. UAS or drone operators, upon request, must be able to present written verification of permission to fly on campus from representatives of the following offices: LSC Security Office and the LSC Business Office.

Subpart B: Off-Campus Operations of a UAS

This section applies to domestic and international UAS or drone flights by Lake Superior College faculty or staff operating the UAS or drone in any Lake Superior College-related capacity.

  1. Pilot in Command must adhere to rules outlined for on-campus operations of a UAS or drone over 0.5 lbs.
  2. Must be preceded by the Pilot in Command thoroughly reviewing all applicable laws and regulations for UAS or drone operations at off-campus locations.
  3. Must be preceded by Pilot in Command obtaining written permission from the appropriate off-campus property manager and/or local authorities, if applicable.

Part 2: Prohibited Use

  1. All use of UAS or drones is prohibited inside and outside of the LSC Center for Advanced Aviation facility, regardless of size.
  2. All use of UAS or drones for recreational purposes is prohibited on LSC property, regardless of size.
  3. A UAS or drone will not be used to monitor or record areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy by accepted social norms. These areas include but are not limited to restrooms, locker rooms, changing or dressing rooms, or health treatment rooms. “Surreptitious intrusion” or use of an “observation device” may be prosecuted under Minnesota Statute 609.746 Interference with Privacy.
  4. LSC strictly prohibits flying any UAS or drone indoors unless for educational purposes or contracted by LSC for marketing purposes (see Subp. A, 1.).
  5. If you suspect unauthorized drone use on LSC property, please contact security at (218) 733-6911.

Part 3: Requests to operate a UAS or Drone

Requests to operate all UAS or drones regardless of size on LSC property or to operate LSC-owned UAS or drones off property must complete the Permission Request and Document Submission Form and must be coordinated at least seven days in advance through the LSC Security Office at [email protected]. The seven-day notification requirement also applies to any UAS or drone contracted for services by Lake Superior College on or off campus.

Part 4: LSC’s Discretion

Lake Superior College may, at its discretion, suspend or deny any UAS activity deemed as dangerous, or otherwise interfering with or interrupting the operations of the College. Should a discrepancy between LSC policy and FAA regulations exist, the more restrictive regulation will govern.  

Related Documents

History

Date created: August 2024

President's Signature Date: October 29, 2024

President's Signature