Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on University Property (Policy #722)

This policy establishes minimal requirements for the safe operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at UW-Whitewater (UWW), which includes compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and state laws. The FAA is responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation within the U.S.

Office of Compliance and Risk Management (OCRM)

This policy applies to all members of UWW, including but not limited to employees, students, clubs, organizations, vendors and any other individuals who are planning to operate or are operating a UAS as part of their employment or as part of any university-related research or activity. This policy also applies to any person or entity not affiliated with the university that may operate a UAS on university property or land. This includes recreational and non-recreational aircraft. Any person operating a UAS on university property or land is personally responsible for complying with FAA regulations, state and federal laws and university policies. 

Model Aircraft: Model aircraft are considered UAS and viewed differently by the FAA than other UAS and have different regulations. Model aircraft operations are for hobby or recreational purposes only and are not for business purposes.

Part 107: FAA regulation that allows for the commercial, non-recreational use of small-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) weighing less than 55 pounds. If the UAS exceeds the maximum weight or the mission includes a non-waivable rule, an application may be applied for under Section 44807.

Pilot in Command (PIC): Also referred to as ‘remote pilot in command’ (RPIC), is responsible for the operation and safety of the flight and must have an FAA remote pilot certificate. 

Recreational Flight: Operation conducted by a recreational flyer of a UAS or model aircraft for purely hobby or recreational purposes only and not for business purposes. Use of a UAS related to the university does not qualify as model aircraft.

Remote Pilot Certificate: Certification required for all UAS operators who operate a UAS under Part 107.

University Lands: All real property owned by, leased by, or otherwise subject to the control of the Board of Regents.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Consists of unmanned aircraft and all the associated support equipment and elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the pilot to operate. A UAS may have a variety of names including drone, unmanned aircraft vehicle, unmanned aircraft, quadcopter, quadrotor, etc.

1. The operator of any UAS (commercial or hobbyist) must abide by all federal, state, city and university laws and policies.
   
   Any UAS use by a UWW employee or student, who wishes to operate a UAS as part of their university education or program, including those requesting to fly in another country, must receive approval through the Office of Compliance and Risk Management (OCRM) and provide proof of a Part 107 remote pilot certificate or other proof of FAA approval, along with a certification of compliance with FAA reeducation regulations. A list of approved registrations will be maintained by OCRM.
   
   
2. Any employee or student making the request to use a UAS in another country is responsible for providing OCRM with a copy of the UAS rules and regulations for that country and providing written evidence and plan of satisfying all the requirements.
   
   
3. Any UWW employee, student, or unit purchasing a UAS (or parts to assemble a UAS), or UAS services with university funds or funds being disbursed through a university account or grant fund, must contact OCRM and provide proof of a Part 107 remote pilot certificate or other proof of FAA approval.
   
   
4. If any third party or individual recreational flyer wishes to use a UAS or model aircraft over university lands, the individual must receive approval through OCRM. Third parties or contractors planning to use a UAS must also provide proof of required certifications, registrations, or other documents issued by the FAA. In addition, operation of a UAS by a third party or recreational flyer over university property must:
   
   
   1. Be under a contract which holds the university harmless from any resulting claims or harm to individuals and damage to university property.
   2. Provide the university with proof of insurance.
      
      
5. A UAS shall not be used to monitor or record areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in accordance with accepted social norms. These areas include but are not limited to restrooms, locker rooms, residential hallways, residential lounges, individual residential rooms, changing or dressing rooms, campus daycare facilities, and health treatment rooms.
   
   Note: In Wisconsin, it is a misdemeanor for a private individual to use a UAS to photograph, record, or otherwise observe another individual in a place where the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy. (Section 942.10, Wis. Stats.).
   
   
6. A UAS shall not be used to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information (e.g. an individual's workspace, a computer, or other electronic displays).
   
   
7. Overseeing departments of any UAS are responsible for providing or ensuring operators are trained in the use of the UAS in which they will operate.
   
   
8. Operators shall be mindful of the safety of people and risk of property damage and aware of potential failure modes for their systems. All built-in safety features shall be tested prior to flying.
   
   
9. Operators must be in line of sight of the UAS during operation and avoid flying over crowds.
   
   
10. No university owned UAS may be rented, leased or otherwise provided to a non-university party.
    
    
11. OCRM shall be responsible for providing notice to the UWW Police Department upon any approval of UAS usage on university lands, including the intended date and time of UAS usage, as soon as practicable and without delay.
    
    
12. If an employee or student is approved to use their personally owned UAS for university business, their personal insurance coverage is primary. The employee or student must provide proof of insurance and sign an agreement.
    
    
13. Accident/incident reporting: The FAA requires notification of certain UAS accidents no later than 10 days by the remote pilot in command after an operation that involves at least one of the following:
    
    
    1. Serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness; or
    2. Damage to any property if the cost to repair (including materials and labor) exceeds $500.
       
       In addition, all incidents and accidents involving any injury to persons, damage to property (other than the UAS), or other violations stated in the above policy shall be reported to OCRM.

FAA Website (General UAS Information)
FAA Website (Report an Accident)
WI State Statute 942.10, Use of a UAS
Remote Identification (Remote ID) Rule
UAS Usage at Rock County Campus

First Approved: September 20, 2018

Revised: September 14, 2026

9/14/2031

Questions regarding the interpretation of this policy should be directed to:
Office of Compliance and Risk Management
Telephone: 262-472-1772
Email: ocrm@uww.edu