St. Cloud State University Policies & Procedures

SCSU campus is located within 5 miles of the St. Cloud Regional Airport. Any recreational or hobby sUAS operation on SCSU campus requires that the operator contact the Airport Manager and Air Traffic Controller before sUAS operations. (See Supporting URLs).

There are numerous websites and mobile applications designed to assist operators with regulations and safety. The FAA offers B4UFLY, a mobile application designed to provide situational awareness and help users know safe areas to fly. Use of the FAA application or similar safety resources is encouraged.

No Permit Required

K-Lot Overflow (former Q-Lot) is the only authorized area for Hobby and Recreational Use on the SCSU Campus that does not require a permit. While conducting operations from K-Lot Overflow individuals must follow the AMA established standards for operations of model aircraft as well as the “Drone Operating Rules” posted on signs entering K-Lot Overflow.

K-Lot Overflow Lot is currently deemed a “no parking” area. Occasionally, SCSU will cover the “no parking” signs and use K-Lot Overflow for events or overflow parking. If the “Drone Operating Rules” and/or “No Parking” signs are covered, it means the lot is temporarily closed for sUAS operations.

Permit Required

All uses, except for Hobby and Recreational Use in K-Lot Overflow, require approval through the SCSU UAS/Drone Operating Permit. (See Supporting Documents) This includes usage outside of university property if the use is for SCSU purposes. This form should be submitted no less than 7 days prior to sUAS operations. The form must be fully executed with all required signatures before sUAS operations can commence.  For group events such as a class project or organized hobby event, one applicant shall complete the permit.

When required by the Vice President for Finance and Administration or designee, sUAS liability waivers must be signed prior to operations at the site and shall be submitted to the Finance and Administration Office for retention with the associated signed SCSU sUAS/Drone Operating Permit form.

Indoor Use

Indoor use of sUAS is not governed by the FAA.  All indoor use of sUAS requires approval through the SCSU UAS/Drone Operating Permit. (See Supporting Documents) This form should be submitted no less than 7 days prior to sUAS operations. The form must be fully executed with all required signatures before sUAS operations can commence.

Applicants completing a permit form for indoor use must include a plan for safety considerations. The plan will be reviewed, and additional provisions may be required to ensure safety of people and property. Indoor operations of sUAS should not interfere with student, faculty, or staff use of facilities.

Violations:

Any violations of law (trespassing, illegal surveillance, reckless endangerment) or violations of University policies may subject the individual to criminal and/or disciplinary action. Students who violate this policy may be subject to Student Code of Conduct procedures. Employees may be subject to discipline according to their employment contract.

Best practices in safety

• Operators should be aware of FAA airspace requirements.
•  
• Model aircraft or sUAS should not be flown in a careless or reckless manner.
•  
• Operators are encouraged to utilize a pre-flight safety checklist.
•  
• All flying sites should have a safety line(s) established in front of which all flying takes place.
• An area away from the safety line should be maintained for spectators.
• Spectators should remain within the line of sight of the operator.
• Safety net protection may be needed for indoor operations.
•  
• Operators should operate only one sUAS at a time.
•  
• Operators should not drop any object from a sUAS that could create a hazard to persons or property.
•  
• Flights should be conducted during daylight hours and in good weather.
•  
• Hobby or recreational sUAS should always fly below 400 feet.
•  
• Operators should take care to avoid other drones or aircraft.
•  
• Operators should take care to avoid flying near emergency response teams.
•  
• Operators should never fly under the influence of drugs/alcohol or in an impaired state.

These are general safety and best practices reminders; however, it is not an exhaustive list.  Each operator is responsible for knowing the full scope of FAA safety and privacy regulations.  SCSU may implement safety precautions in addition to those listed in this document based on the safety requirements of the specific drone use event.

drone, model aircraft, flying, commercial, remote control