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Drones

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Guidelines for Recreational & Hobbyist Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) / Model Aircraft On or above University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Property

Approved by Chancellor’s Cabinet:  12-15-2015
Modified:  February 20, 2023 (Approved Vice Chancellor Business and Finance)

These guidelines are intended to set forth the minimal requirements for the safe operation of unmanned aircraft systems on University Lands that are outside the scope of University Business use.   Each campus will follow these guidelines to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration, state laws and university policies is maintained.

Scope: 
These guidelines shall be adhered to by all individuals, groups or organizations which operate a UAS from a location within University Lands or above any area which is defined as University lands.

Use of UAS or Model Aircraft by university employees or students as part of any University related activity or research  is considered University Business and are excluded from these guidelines.  University employees, students or agents operating a UAS for the purposes of University Business shall fall under the UWGB UAS Policy.

Restricted Zones The University has defined areas where no drone shall be operated without expressed permission of the Chancellor or his designee. Additional restrictions have been put in place for any employee (Full Time, Student, LTE, etc) or University Program wishing to utilize a drone during the course of their employment.

Definitions:

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): A UAS is the unmanned aircraft and all of the associated support equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications and navigation equipment, etc., necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft.  A UAS may have a variety of names including drone, unmanned aircraft vehicle, unmanned aircraft, quadcopter, quadrotor, etc. FAA regulation applies to UAS regardless of size or weight.
Model Aircraft: Model aircraft are distinguished by the FAA and have different regulations. Notwithstanding, all unmanned, motorized devices capable of flight will fall under the guidelines and all operation of Model Aircraft shall be governed by the same procedures and restrictions set forth within.
Recreational Use: Flying for enjoyment and not for work, business purposes, or for compensation or hire.   Recreational use regulated by 49 USC 44809 Exception for Limited Recreational Operation of Unmanned Aircraft as exceptions to 14 CFR Part 107 FAA regulations for use of unmanned aircraft systems when used for recreational or hobbyist purposes.
Remote Identification: The ability of a UAS in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties, including altitude of the UAS, it’s control station or take-off location.  FAA allows operation of a UAS without Remote Identification within a defined FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) upon an approved FRIA application.
University Business: Any activity engaged in by an individual or group which falls under the University’s academic mission or outreach activities that are performed at under the direction and control of an employee or agent of the University. Such use falls outside of these guidelines and under University Policy.
University Lands: All real property owned by, leased by, or otherwise subject to the control of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin.

Guidelines:

Any party, organization or hobbyist who wishes to use a UAS or model aircraft on or over university lands or property must abide by all below guidelines. Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in an immediate termination of use of the UWAS/Model Aircraft and further sanctions as necessary and available.

  1. The operator of the UAS/Model Aircraft shall be responsible for the operation which protects both the safety and property of other individuals and campus. The owner and/or operator shall be responsible for any damage caused by the operation of the UAS/Model Aircraft.
  2. The operator must maintain unaided visual line of sight of the UAS/Model Aircraft at all times during use.
  3. The operator always operates the UAS/Model Aircraft at their own risk. By permitting the use of these devices on University Property, the University makes no direct assertion that the University property is suitable for operation of these devices.
  4. The operator must abide by all federal, state, and city laws.  FAA Rules for Recreational Flyers, includes the following:
    1. Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment).
    2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO).
    3. Keep your drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
    4. Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.
    5. Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface Class E designated for an airport) only with prior FAA authorization by using LAANC or DroneZone.
    6. Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.
      Note: Flying drones in restricted airspace is not allowed. Drone pilots should always check for airspace restrictions prior to flight on our B4UFLY app or the UAS Facility Maps webpage.
    7. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage when flying.
    8. Have a current FAA registrationmark (PDF) your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration with you when flying.
      Note: Beginning September 16, 2023, if your drone requires an FAA registration number it will be also required to broadcast Remote ID information. For more information on drone registration, visit How to Register Your Drone.
    9. Do not operate your drone in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system.
    10. Aircraft must have remote identification capability as required by the FAA.
  5. The operator must have a clear takeoff and landing zone of at least 5 feet square at all times.
  6. The operator may not operate a UAS/Model Aircraft equipped with camera/video equipment in any area where an individual would have a presumed right to privacy.  These areas include but are not limited to restrooms, locker rooms, individual residential rooms, changing or dressing rooms, campus daycare facilities, and health treatment rooms.
  7. The operator will may not operate a UAS/Model Aircraft in a fashion which harasses or disrupts any individuals quiet enjoyment of public areas on University Land.
  8. The operator must be familiar with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Prohibited Airspace Areas (map available upon request) and not operate any UAS/Model Aircraft in these areas.
  9. UAS/Model Aircraft may not be operated within 100 feet or any UWGB or other athletic contest, event or practice held on University land.
  10. Unless specific permission is granted by Public Safety; UAS/Model Aircraft may not be operated within 100 feet of any recognized campus event.
  11. Unless specific permission is granted by Public Safety, recreational or hobbyist operators of UAS/Model Aircraft may not operate any device in the interior of any campus building.
  12. In the event of an emergency situation, the operator must apply all efforts to direct the device away from people and private property to minimize any damage caused by malfunction.
  13. The operator must be courteous of any other aircraft or people at all times.

Enforcement:

These guidelines are subject to enforcement by University employees in the areas of Facilities, Public Safety and Residence Life.
Failure to comply with the above stated guidelines will result in immediate termination of the use of the UAS/Model Aircraft.
Continued non-compliance will result in removal from University Property, disciplinary sanction implemented by the Dean of Students or such sanctions as may be available under §18 UWS Wis.Adm.Code.

Additional Information:

49 USC 44809 Exception for Limited Recreational Operation of Unmanned Aircraft
FAA Rules for Recreational Flyers
FAA FRIA Recognized Identification Areas
FAA UAS Remote Identification
http://www.faa.gov/uas/faq/
UW-Green Bay Drones/Unmanned Aircraft Systems University Use Policy