Drones and UAVs
The University of Findlay Drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operational Guidelines:
These guidelines cover any and all property owned, operated, and/or controlled by the University of Findlay.
1. The operation of any Drone or UAV over exterior lands not owned and operated by UF shall fall under state and federal regulations for UAV usage.
2. The operation of any UAV equipment on and over lands owned, operated, and/or controlled by UF shall follow all state (http://www.dot.state.oh.us/divisions/uas/Pages/default.aspx) and federal (https://www.faa.gov/uas/) regulations and requires a prior filing of an operating plan with the UF Campus Police/ Security Office.
a. The UF Chief of Police will review the plan and make a recommendation to the Office of Student Affairs for its approval, noting any limitations.
b. Local law enforcement use of UAV technology in execution of a search warrant or as part of a tactical response to an immediate threat is automatically authorized, subject to applicable law and government regulations.
c. Operators will check in with the UF Campus Police/ Security Office before use on campus and will notify them upon leaving campus.
3. Operating plans shall include:
a. Equipment to be used (include information about the UAV control systems, communication systems etc.),
b. Date and approximate time to be used,
c. Location(s) to be used,
d. Purpose(s) of the operation,
e. The identity and contact information of pilot(s) or other remote operator(s),
f. All forms of data (including imagery) to be collected,
g. Current status of any required licenses or permissions,
h. Provisions for security of the equipment, both during and outside of operation, and of any sensitive data collected.
4. For approval of an operating plan:
a. Plan must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to operations on campus,
b. The plan must include all required information in its content,
c. The envisioned operation must comply with applicable laws, government regulations, and other University policies,
d. The envisioned operation must not pose an unacceptable threat to health, safety, privacy, or the environment, either in an absolute sense or compared to other methods of obtaining the desired information,
e. The envisioned operation must be judged by UF administrators to be in the best interest of the public and the University,
f. Approved operation of a drone or UAV should not pose a disruption to regular University operations (classes, meetings, etc).
5. The UF Chief of Police will notify operators of approval to operate on campus. This must be received before the UAV is brought onto campus.
The University reserves the right to immediately shut down the operation of an UAV if it creates any type of electronic interference, poses a hazard to sensitive campus equipment, or interferes with any UF activity.
Any questions or comments about this UAV policy shall be directed to the UF Campus Police/ Security Office at 419-434-4799 or by email at safetysecurity@findlay.edu.