Policy

All UAS activity must comply with applicable law, including but not necessarily limited to:

• 14 CFR Part 107 (Federal Aviation Administration regulations governing small UAS)
• 49 USC § 44809 (Recreational operations of unmanned aircraft - note: still prohibited on campus)
• All applicable FAA Advisory Circulars and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
• Local ordinances restricting takeoff/landing, noise, or privacy

Where this Policy is more restrictive than federal or state law, the Policy governs.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) / Drone: An unmanned aircraft and associated equipment are required for safe and controlled flight.

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC): The FAA-certified Part 107 pilot is responsible for the safe operation of the flight.
The RPIC is responsible for compliance with all laws, regulations, and this policy.

Visual Observer (VO): A person designated to assist the pilot in maintaining a visual line of sight (VLOS).

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) : The LAANC is an automated system that allows drone pilots to obtain real-time FAA airspace authorizations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E-surface near airports).

SCU-Sponsored Operation: Any flight conducted for SCU business, research, academic, or administrative purposes.

Risk Management

• Policy owner
• Final approval or denial of all SCU‑sponsored flights
• Reviews insurance, compliance, and documentation
• Maintains SCU’s internal drone registry

Robotics Engineering

• Conducts technical review of flight plans
• Advises on equipment safety and feasibility (e.g., Autopilot, LiPo battery, etc)

Campus Safety Services

• On-site awareness
• Emergency response

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

• Ensures compliance with FAA rules, SCU policy and procedures, and conducts safe operations

Department/Unit Sponsor

• Verifies operational need when a department initiates or funds a flight

All UAS operations at SCU must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Receive SCU approval before flight.
2. Be flown by an FAA Part 107‑certified RPIC.
3. Use an FAA‑registered drone (via DroneZone).
4. Comply with San José International Airport (SJC) airspace restrictions, SJC Airspace Map approval Map.
5. Generally, flights on or near campus are limited to the FAA-approved altitudes as published on the SJC Airspace Map. 
6.  Carry proof of FAA authorization (LAANC or DroneZone) when required.
7. 7. Operate within visual line of sight, below 400 ft AGL, and follow all FAA Part 107 rules unless an FAA waiver applies.

Unless explicitly authorized, SCU prohibits:

• Autonomous or Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations
• Flying over uninvolved persons or moving vehicles
• Flights inside occupied buildings
• Payload-dropping, hazardous, or weaponized drones
• Operations near minors without explicit approval
• Any surveillance of spaces or areas in which there is a reasonable expectation of privacy

Privacy & Data Restrictions

SCU prohibits:

• Capture, retention, or distribution of imagery or data that is not required for the approved mission
• Flights intended to observe individuals in private or sensitive locations
• Storage of identifiable images of individuals without departmental approval and secure storage practices 

Violations may result in:

• Suspension of flight privileges
• Student/employee disciplinary action
• Vendor removal or contract termination
• Mandatory retraining
• FAA reporting or referral when required