UAS (Drone) Use Approval Process

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) use will fall into one of three categories as defined by the FAA: Government use, Commercial use, and Private/Hobbyist use. Each category requires the UAS operator to follow different procedures before UAS use. Before using a UAS/Drone on or above University property, or elsewhere on behalf of the University, the following instructions apply.

Government Use (BGSU-Owned UAS)

• Operators requesting approval to operate a UAS/Drone are required to read and comply with BGSU Policy # 3341-6-50. The policy applies to BGSU operations both on and off campus.
• Operator must request a BGSU operator license through Risk Management to operate BGSU Owned UAS. 
• Operator must possess a copy of the approved UAS Operations Application or BGSU License at all times during flight activity, and present to BGSU Police or University representatives upon request.
• Operator must comply with all applicable federal (FAA), state, and local laws.
• FAA requirements and safe operation guidelines are available at this link.
• UAS must only be operated by an employee as part of their employment or student as part of an academic/research program.
• UAS purchase must be coordinated with BGSU Purchasing to ensure purchasing compliance, compliance with export controls, and weight and wingspan limits for insurance coverage. UAS will be registered with the FAA by BGSU Purchasing. 
• UAS may not operate over areas of assembly, stadium, or populated areas without specific, prior approval from Risk Management.
• Because of the main campus proximity to a teaching airport, notification is required using the online notification form for flights occurring on main campus. Notification is required one week in advance of flights inside Protected Access Zones and one day in advance of flights outside of Protected Access Zones, as identified on the drone flight map on the Risk Management website.
• In addition to the above requirements, operation of a University owned UAS at an off-campus location is subject to all requirements/laws/policies of that location. Drones operated only off-campus require Risk Management coordination for purchase to ensure insurance coverage but do not require BGSU notification for flights off-campus.

Commercial Use (Contracted Vendor)

• Contracted Vendor requesting approval to operate a UAS/Drone is required to read and comply with BGSU Policy # 3341-6-50. 
• Contracted Vendor/ BGSU Contracting Department must request prior approval from the office of Risk Management at least two weeks in advance of the proposed use of the UAS through the UAS (Drone) Use Application. Approval will require submission of a flight plan, including date, time and duration of flight, as well as the operational area. 
• Operator must possess a copy of the approved UAS Operations Application at all times during flight activity, and present to BGSU Police or University representatives upon request. 
• Contracted Vendor must comply with all applicable federal (FAA), state, and local laws.
• BGSU Contracting Department must have a signed contract with vendor approved through BGSU Purchasing
• Signed contract with vendor must include a request for a Certificate of Insurance indicating General Liability, Aviation Liability, or equivalent including UAS coverage of at least $1M and name BGSU as an additional insured.
• A representative of the University must accompany a contracted operator during UAS operations on or above University property.
• UAS may not operate over areas of assembly, stadium, or populated areas without specific, prior approval from Risk Management.
• Because of the main campus proximity to a teaching airport, notification is required using the online notification form for flights occurring on main campus. Notification is required one week in advance of flight with an update notification required one day in advance of flight.
• Any violations of law (trespassing, illegal surveillance) or violation of University policies may subject the operator to criminal and/or disciplinary action. Damages or injuries occurring to University property or individuals will be the responsibility of the UAS operator / Contracted Vendor. 

Private/Hobbyist Use (On or Above University Property)

• Per BGSU Policy # 3341-6-50, Private/Hobbyist use on or above University property is prohibited.