Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy applies to all Arizona State University students, faculty, staff and guests who plan to operate a UAS or drone.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• An ASU unit that is contracting or hiring with a third-party to provide UAS services.
• Any person operating a UAS on or above university property.
• ASU students, faculty or staff who will operate a UAS in any location, whether on ASU property or not, as part of their university employment or ASU activities or special events.
• The purchasing of a UAS with funding through ASU, including university accounts, grants or ASU foundation accounts.

Anyone wishing to operate a UAS, drone or model aircraft is required to obtain approval from the Office of Risk Management and Emergency Management before operation.

To request permission, individuals should:

1. Complete an Unmanned Aircraft Systems request form.
   • Requestors must include a copy of their Federal Aviation Administration UAS certificate of registration, flight plan diagram and remote pilot’s license.
2. Non-ASU affiliates must sign a Release, Indemnity and Assumption of Risk Agreement.
   • Along with the items outlined in step one, non-ASU affiliates must also include a completed agreement and a copy of the certificate of insurance within the request.
3. All documents and forms are reviewed by ORM and Emergency Management.
   • If approved, the requestor will be notified and issued a permit.
   • If denied, a representative from ORM and Emergency Management will connect with the requestor to discuss their initial request.

All documentation and forms must be submitted at least 15 days before the requested flight date.

Email ORM and Emergency Management with questions.

The state of Arizona provides aviation liability coverage only for unmanned aircraft systems owned by Arizona State University. In addition to that, coverage is afforded on an actual cash value basis for the loss of or damage to an ASU-owned unmanned aircraft system. No coverage will be afforded to physical damage to an unmanned aircraft system owned by ASU employees, students, staff or faculty members. Each department is responsible for repairs, replacements, maintenance and any type of mechanical upkeep by Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.

Third parties and/or UAS vendors are required to purchase their own aviation liability coverage prior to conducting a flight on campus or any event associated with ASU.

Any ASU employee, student, or unit using university funds or funds disbursed through a university account or grant funds to purchase a UAS, the parts to assemble a UAS or UAS services, must provide ORM with the Certificate of Aircraft Registration and Operators Certificates for any ASU operators.

UAS operators are prohibited from monitoring, photographing or recording areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

These areas include, but are not limited to:

• Changing or dressing rooms.
• Employee offices.
• Health treatment rooms.
• Laboratories.
• Locker rooms.
• Private residential properties.
• Restrooms.
• Student housing facilities.

Written approval is required to operate a UAS in such areas and must be included within the request form.

When filming with a UAS on or off university property, please visit ASU's Enterprise Brand and Marketing Guide for proper photography and videography guidelines.

If you witness a drone operating dangerously or potentially without a proper permit, please contact the ASU Police Department on the non-emergency line at 480-965-3456 to report the observation.

Review EHS 707: Unmanned Aircraft Systems or Drones for more information.

Visit the following webpages to obtain additional information about UAS guidelines and operating procedures.

Airports

• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport: Drone operators.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: Fly Your Drone Responsibly.

Federal Aviation Administration

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems.