REG - 30.01.8 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulation

1. Purpose 

To ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding the safe operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“UAS”), mitigate any risks to individuals and property potentially affected by UAS operations, and establish procedures for the operation of UAS on the campus of North Carolina Central University (“NCCU” or “University”).

2. Scope 

This regulation applies to the operation of UAS on University property, whether controlled by a University student, employee, hired contractor, or other person on behalf of the University, or by any third-party, including those not affiliated with the University, and for University purposes. 

3. Definitions

3.1 Model Aircraft: An unmanned aircraft system that is (1) flown for hobby or recreational purposes, (2) capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere, and (3) flown within visual line of sight of the aircraft operator. 

3.2 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): any remotely operated or controlled aircraft operated without the direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft and the equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. Includes devices commonly referred to as drones and may also include communications, support, and navigational equipment. For the purposes of this regulation, a UAS also includes model aircraft. 

3.3 University property: buildings or grounds owned, leased, operated, controlled, or managed by NCCU.  

4. Procedures for UAS Use on NCCU Property

4.1 Flights on University property are restricted to educational purposes or to serve the University’s business needs, as determined by University officials. Recreational or hobby use of UAS on University property is not permitted. UAS operation is prohibited from invading the reasonable expectation of privacy of students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the University, such as use for surveillance, video or photography of restrooms, locker rooms, residence halls and health treatment, counseling and medical facilities.

4.2 Operators of UAS must submit a completed request form to University Police no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the date of intended use of the UAS to obtain permission to operate the UAS on University property. Use of a UAS on University property with less than fourteen (14) days’ notice may be approved in certain emergency situations at the discretion of the NCCU Chief of Police. All operators of UAS must obtain appropriate permits and complete proper registration as required by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The operator must provide University Police with the following: 1) copies of permits issued by both NCDOT and FAA; 2) a copy of the UAS Certificate of Registration; 3) a summary of the proposed activity; and 4) a specific time and location of the flight plan for the UAS. All approved requests for UAS operation on University property will be for the specific time and location as stated in the submission to University Police, in order to avoid the sharing of airspace.

4.3 UAS operated on University property are limited to a total weight of ten (10) pounds, including any cameras or equipment mounted to the UAS.

4.4 If the UAS operator fails to comply with this regulation or approvals from University Police, or at any point engages in conduct that poses harm or danger to any person or to University property, University Police will require the UAS operator to stop flight or leave University property. Failure to comply with NCDOT and FAA standards also constitutes a violation, which could result in the UAS operator being required to stop flight or leave University property.

4.5 University Police may consult with Campus Enterprises, the Office of Legal Affairs, Facilities, and/or other campus departments to assess the potential legal, risk management, or facilities issues involved in a proposed flight and to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

5. Standards

All operators of UAS on University property are expected to comply with all laws and regulations promulgated by the NCDOT and FAA when operating UAS and other safety requirements included in this regulation, including but not limited to:

5.1 Maximum altitude of 400 feet; 

5.2 No flying or operation over people, under a covered structure, or inside a covered stationary vehicle; 

5.3 No flying beyond the operator’s ability to see the UAS; 

5.4 No flying more than one UAS at one time;

5.5 No operation of a UAS in a careless or reckless manner;

5.6 No operation of a UAS under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

5.7 No carriage of hazardous materials; 

5.8 No flying outside of daytime hours;

5.9 No interference with emergency vehicles or responders. 

6. UAS Operation Off University Property

Any University department, employee or student wishing to use a UAS for University-related purposes off University property must complete all required permits and registrations and must have written permission of the property owner for the location of the flights. Operators are expected to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations of the jurisdiction where the UAS operation is conducted when using a UAS for any University-related purpose. 

7. Compliance

7.1  Any UAS operator may be in violation of federal or state criminal laws for improper use of UAS.

7.2  Violation of this regulation may subject the UAS operator to student or employee discipline and/or an issuance of a notice of trespass to the user.