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Risk Management

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) including drones and model aircraft is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and relevant state law. Cal Poly must comply with FAA requirements, state law, and any other locally applicable laws or regulations regarding unmanned aircraft systems. Inherent risks in the operation of such equipment require additional insurance provisions and University policy compliance.

UAS Use/Operation Requirements

UAS use and/or operation may be conducted by faculty, staff, students, or third parties (including but not limited to consultants, volunteers, contractors, vendors, or suppliers) on or around University property whether acting on behalf of the University or not, with:

  • Prior review and approval of the Application for the Operation of an UAS and Flight Readiness Review (FRR) by the University's UAS Committee; and
  • Approval by the FAA (such as a COA and/or other authorization or exemption applicable to UAS operation).

Recreational (unlicensed) UAS flights are prohibited on Cal Poly property by Cal Poly and FAA rules except as approved by the UAS Committee. Use and/or operation means no take-offs, landings, or operations of any kind from University property or on behalf of the University on non-University property.

If you would like to request to operate your UAS, please complete the process at least 30 days prior to flight:

  1. Access the RSS Drones Application. Under Apps select Drones. *Note that Third Parties will need to contact Risk Management for access.
  2. Register as a Pilot and register any Observers by clicking Pilot.
  3. Register your drone (if not done previously) by clicking Manage Aircrafts.
  4. Apply for your flights. For a single flight, click Manage Flights & File Non-project Flights. For projects that include multipe days or flights, click Manage Projects & File Project Flights.
  5. Attach a copy of your Flight Readiness Review (FRR).
  6. Flights involving UAS that are owned and piloted by outside entities/vendors are required to attach a copy of their certificate of insurance that includes drone liability coverage. (see Insurance Requirements section for details)
  7. Flights involving UAS that are owned and piloted by outside entities/vendors require a campus sponsor who assists the pilot with access to the operational area at the time of flight. Identify the campus sponsor in the request comments.
  8. The UAS Committee will review your request. If there are no questions to be addressed, you will receive an approval from RSS. (Must have a copy of this approval during flight).
  9. After the flight has been completed, you will need to complete a “Report on Approved Flights” to complete the application process. Not completing this step may result in future flight requests being suspended.

UAS Purchase and Registration Requirements

If you would like to purchase and register an UAS, please fill out the application form here. Once you submit the form, it will route to Risk Management and Risk Management will distribute it to the UAS Committee for consideration; If approved, Risk Management will register the UAS for you.

Any University employee, student, or department purchasing an UAS (or the parts to assemble an UAS), or UAS services with university funds or funds being disbursed through the Cal Poly Partners, Cal Poly Foundation, ASI, or Grants Development must fill out the application form in order to assess the University's ability to obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA, other necessary FAA exemptions, or meet local compliance requirements. Approval for purchase is granted by the UAS Committee.

If approval is granted by the UAS Committee, the purchase must be submitted via a purchase requisition. ProCard or personal purchases (reimbursements) are not permitted per Campus Administrative Policy.

Insurance Requirements

University Owned UAS: When University-owned UAS are operated by faculty, staff, volunteers, or students for university purposes, they are covered for liability provided the aircraft is appropriately registered as described herein. If a Certificate of Insurance is requested by venues for off-campus use, please contact Risk Management. Hull coverage for damage to the drone is not included in liability coverage, but is available. Contact Risk Management to obtain a quote for hull coverage.

Non-University Owned UAS: Insurance is required from non-university owned UAS operators including on behalf of the University to protect against claims for injuries to persons or damage to property that may arise from or in connection with the ownership, maintenance, or use of the UAS. A Certificate of Insurance as described herein shall be provided during the application process.

Educational Flight Range

Located at Chorro Creek Ranch, Cal Poly’s Educational Flight Range consists of a 500 by 50 foot paved runway, an aircraft preparation area, a vehicle parking area, and a visitor’s viewing area for invited guests. Please note that UAS Committee approval is not required for this site and the Educational Flight Range is for the operation of Radio Control aircraft only (Airplanes, gliders, scale aircraft, drones, helicopters). Rockets, RC cars, etc. are strictly prohibited. To learn more about the Educational Flight Range, please visit the SloFlyers RC Airplane Club website.

Questions?

For questions, please contact:
Mike Morgan
805-756-6755
riskmanagement@calpoly.edu

Additional Resources