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POLICY 809 - UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (DRONE) POLICY

I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known as drone, for any purpose at any Cambridge-Isanti Schools event. For purposes of this policy, an UAV is any aircraft without a human pilot aboard the device. This policy will also be used to assist the district in promoting safety, reducing injuries, and complying with federal, state, state high school league rules and policies, local laws, regulations, and district policies. In addition, the district recognizes its responsibility in regard to the protection of the privacy rights of students as provided in federal law and state statutes.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

Any authorized use of an UAV must be educational in purpose and pre-approved in writing by the superintendent or designee. The superintendent or designee shall refuse admission or entry to anyone attempting to use an unauthorized UAV on school property; and if necessary, the superintendent or designee shall remove anyone attempting to use an unauthorized UAV and/or confiscate the UAV. This applies to all school district property, inclusive of all fields of play, courts, mats, gym floor, spectator areas, classrooms, hallways, busses, bus stops, and parking areas. This also includes all buildings and grounds used, and not owned by the district for school sponsored events and activities, instructional or otherwise.

III. GUIDELINES

1. District personnel shall refuse admission or entry to anyone attempting to use an unauthorized UAV.
2. District personnel will report UAV activity on district property to an administrator.
3. When possible, district personnel shall confiscate an unauthorized UAV used on district property.

IV. RULES AND PROCEDURES

1. Any student or employee wishing to operate an UAV on district property, for educational purposes, must seek permission from the superintendent or designee.
2. Requests for permission must be submitted in writing at least one week prior to the date of use.
3. The superintendent or designee, at his or her discretion, can grant exception to this policy so long as no federal, state, state high school league rules, laws, regulations and district policies are violated.
4. If permission is granted, UAV’s must comply with and follow all safety guidelines outlined in AC 91-57A, including, but not limited to:
   1. Fly at or below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles.
   2. Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times.
   3. Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations.
   4. Flying near people or stadiums is prohibited.
   5. Flying an aircraft that weighs 55 lbs. or more is prohibited.
   6. Being careless or reckless with the unmanned aircraft is prohibited – individuals could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft.
   7. The UAV must be properly registered.

Source: Cambridge-Isanti Schools

Legal References:

• Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 1 and 21
• Advisory Circulars: AC 00-1A, Public Aircraft Operations
• AC 91-57A – Model Aircraft Operating Standards
• AC 21-12, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, FAA Form 8130-6
• AC 45-2D, Identification and Registration Marking

Cross Reference: Minnesota State High School League UAV (Drone) Policy

Reviewed: 1-18-18

Approved: 2-22-18