Business Policies and Procedures Manual
Chapter 50: Safety and Security

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations

BPPM 50.37

For more information contact:
   WSU Police Department
   509-335-8548 / police@wsu.edu

Form: UAS Operation Request and Assumption of Risk, Release, and Indemnification

1.0   Overview and Purpose

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can be important tools in University research, education, and other operations. This policy is intended to allow appropriate use while mitigating risks to safety and property by ensuring UAS use on WSU property complies with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, state laws, and University requirements.

2.0   Applicability

Except as provided in this section (2.0), this policy applies to the outdoor and indoor operation of all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including but not limited to drones, Class 2 and 3 rockets, and weather balloons, over or on any WSU campus or location for any purpose, including recreational, academic, research, or business.

This policy does not apply to UAS operations by University police or campus security, Facility Services or equivalent campus unit, or first responder operations conducted in accordance with applicable law. 

3.0   Definitions

Drone – An unmanned aircraft controlled by an operator on the ground. (Also referred to as Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).)

FAA Part 107 – A remote pilot certificate obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that demonstrates the certificate holder understands the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safety flying drones.

Third-party operator – A person piloting a drone who is not employed by WSU and not a current WSU student.

UAS Operation – Includes any portion of the flight path of a UAS, as well as the physical location of the operator, while the UAS is in the air.

UAS Operation Request – A WSU form that must be completed and submitted to the applicable University police or campus security department to request permission to operate a drone over WSU property or WSU sponsored events. See Section 2.0 for exceptions.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) – An unmanned aircraft controlled by an operator on the ground. (Also referred to as a drone.)

4.0   Roles and Responsibilities

UAS operators are responsible for compliance with this policy.

The highest-ranking law enforcement or security officer at the applicable WSU campus or location is responsible for granting or denying approval for UAS operations in accordance with this policy.

University police or campus security at the applicable WSU campus or location is responsible for investigation of violations and enforcement of this policy.

5.0   Requirements

All UAS flights and operations must meet FAA, state, and University requirements as set forth in this section (5.0). FAA regulations do not apply to indoor operation of UAS; however, operators are required to adhere to University, NCAA (if applicable), and other requirements (see Section 6.0). 

5.1     FAA and State Requirements

All UAS weighing greater than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prior to operation. Information is available from the FAA Drone Zone.

Drone operators must register with and use the AirMap or ALoft mobile apps to check and request airspace requirements and obtain authorization.

For all UAS flying within an area covered by FAA controlled airspace, FAA airspace authorization must be obtained prior to each flight, as required based on the size of the UAS and the operating altitude. See the statewide UAS operations map which includes WSU property boundaries at go.wsu.edu/UASOperationsResources.

UAS operators must abide by FAA rules regulating UAS operation along with any applicable state laws, including but not limited to:

  • Maximum altitude and speed.
  • Having an observer present to maintain visual contact with the UAS at all times.
  • Procurement of any required written FAA waivers for operation outside of the FAA Part 107 rules. The FAA recommends applying for a waiver at least 90 days prior to the planned date of operation.
  • Strict adherence to current FAA guidelines regarding Operation Over People (OOP), including:

Important! All UAS must be listed as OOP certified and Remote ID compliant to operate over people.

  • Reporting personal injury or property damage in accordance with FAA requirements (14 CRF Part 107).
  • Any federal, state, or local laws or regulations regarding landowners’ rights, operational safety, and privacy rights.

See Section 7.0 for penalties for noncompliance.

5.2     University Requirements

UAS operators must submit a WSU UAS Operation Request to the University police or campus security department that has jurisdiction over the area in which the UAS operation is being requested (see Table 1). The UAS Operation Request must be submitted:

  • At least two (2) business days prior to the planned flight; or
  • At the same time an FAA authorization request is submitted, whichever is longer.

As part of the University’s UAS Operation Request, all operators are required to acknowledge in writing that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this policy.

If an FAA authorization request is submitted, the UAS operator must notify the applicable University police or campus security department before the flight to:

  • Provide proof that FAA authorization was received; or
  • Give notification that the authorization was denied.

Table 1

University Police and Campus Security Contact Information
WSU Everett
everett.facilities@wsu.edu
425-315-4014		 WSU Spokane
rpsecurity@wsu.edu
509-358-7995		 WSU Vancouver
wsuvcops@wsu.edu
360-546-9001
WSU Pullman
police@wsu.edu
509-335-8548		 WSU Tri-Cities
tricities.dronerequest@wsu.edu
509-372-7698		 All other WSU locations
police@wsu.edu
509-335-8548
5.2.a    University Use for Teaching and Research

University faculty and staff use of drones on University property as part of an educational experience or to conduct research is considered part of the recreational use exception. Pilots are therefore not required to have FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification.

Faculty and staff must submit a UAS Operation Request including date, time, duration, operational area and maximum planned altitude of the operation, to the applicable University police or campus security department at least two (2) business days prior to the planned operation. No UAS use may occur until written prior approval is obtained. 

5.2.b    University Use Unrelated to Teaching or Research

Administrative use of drones on campus as part of university business operations (for example, marketing photography or videography) is considered commercial use. This applies whether the operator is a University employee or is a contracted external entity. Pilots are therefore required to have FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification.

Users are required to submit a UAS Operation Request including date, time, duration, operational area, and maximum planned altitude of the operation, to the applicable University police or campus security department at least two (2) business days prior to the planned operation. No UAS use may occur until written prior approval is obtained.

5.2.c    Student Use

Students operating drones on campus for educational or recreational use are considered to be hobbyists and are not required to have FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification, as long as such use complies with FAA rules for recreational flyers. Students are required to submit a UAS Operation Request including date, time, duration, operational area, and maximum planned altitude of the operation, to the applicable University police or campus security department at least two (2) business days prior to the planned operation. No UAS use may occur until written prior approval is obtained, and such use must follow the requirements in Section 5.1.

Student UAS operators must have at least $1 million per occurrence in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. A certificate of insurance naming WSU as additional insured must be submitted to university police or campus security before operating a drone on any WSU campus.

5.2.d    Use by Third Parties Not Affiliated with WSU

Persons who are not employed by WSU and not a current WSU student wishing to operate a drone on or above a WSU location or campus must submit a completed UAS Operation Request and Assumption of Risk, Release, and Indemnification Form and include the following information at least two (2) business days prior to the proposed flight:

  • Copy of the pilot’s FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification; and
  • Certificate of insurance naming WSU as an additional insured and evidencing at least $2 million per occurrence in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.

No UAS use may occur until written prior approval is obtained. All drone operators are fully responsible for any and all damage to persons or property caused by the drone usage and/or any fines or violations incurred.

By granting permission to operate the drone, the University assumes no liability for the operations of the drone and any liability remains with the operator. By operating a drone, the operator agrees to indemnify the University for any liability, loss, or damage arising out of the drone use.

5.2.e    WSU Pullman Campus — Division I Athletic Events

Special rules apply when outdoor Division I Athletic events are occurring, including the following:

  • Football: UAS operation is prohibited everywhere on campus when there is a home football game from one hour before the scheduled kickoff until one hour after the football game concludes.
  • Other Outdoor Athletic Competitions: UAS operation is prohibited within 500 feet of all other outdoor athletic competitions from one (1) hour before the event is scheduled to begin until one (1) hour after the event concludes.

Requesters must comply with all requirements in this policy and demonstrate that the UAS operation will not interfere with the event or create a safety hazard.

See Section 6.0 for operating UAS at indoor athletic competitions.

5.2.f     Additional University Requirements

UAS operators are not permitted to fly or record within any area in which WSU students, faculty, or staff may have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including but not limited to within 100 feet of any residence halls or other campus housing, without prior written permission from the University. Note: A Pullman campus map showing the location of residence halls is available at go.wsu.edu/UASOperationsResources.

Scheduled and approved University activities take priority over recreational drone activities. If a drone activity is part of an academic experience, it is recommended that the requestor reserve the space in advance with the applicable campus event services office.

5.2.g    Exceptions

The WSU Pullman Chief of Police or designee may grant exceptions to any component of this (Section 5.0) when warranted by exceptional circumstances unless the requirement is imposed by law. Exceptions must be obtained in advance and documented in writing on the UAS Request Form.

Any request to waive insurance requirements also must be approved by Risk Management, which reviews the proposed activity to determine whether it poses minimal risk to property or persons.

6.0   Indoor Operation of UAS

Any indoor UAS operation must be approved in writing prior to the event by the highest-ranking law enforcement or security officer at the applicable WSU campus or location.

All requests must include information demonstrating that the UAS operation will not interfere with the event or create a safety hazard. Exceptions to the requirements of Section 5.0 of this policy for indoor operation of UAS may be requested in accordance with Section 5.2.g.

Conditions and restrictions on UAS use may be imposed. Indoor operation during athletic competitions also may be subject to NCAA or conference rules.

7.0   Enforcement and Penalties for Noncompliance

University police or campus security at the applicable WSU campus or location is responsible for investigation of violations and enforcement of this policy as follows:

  • UAS operators may be stopped, questioned, and required to show proof to campus law enforcement or campus security of prior approval and that they are operating within the approved submitted plan (altitude, area, time, etc.) at any time.
  • UAS operators operating outside the approved plan or in violation of this policy may be stopped from operating and, if necessary, have their equipment confiscated.
  • Violators also may be trespassed from WSU property.

For current WSU students or employees, failure to follow this policy may result in referral for disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and/or disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the WAC 504-26 Standards of Conduct for Students.

Operators are to notify University police or campus security immediately if they or their equipment causes any damage or harm to any person or property. Operators also assume responsibility for any said damage.

Important! Failure to register and operate a UAS in accordance with FAA rules may result in regulatory and criminal sanctions.

8.0   Related Resources

Federal Aviation Administration – Drones website.

Washington State Department of Transportation Drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) website.

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Revisions:  July 2024 – new policy (Rev. 630).