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7.19 Drone Use Policy
This online version is for convenience; the official version of this policy is housed in the University Secretariat. In case of discrepancy between the online version and the official version held by the Secretariat, the official version shall prevail.
Approving Authority: President
Original Approval Date: February 11, 2016
Date of Most Recent Review/Revision: June 1, 2022
Office of Accountability: Vice-President: Finance and Administration
Administrative Responsibility: Safety, Health, Environment and Risk Management
1.00 Purpose
1.01 The purpose of this policy is to ensure all use of Drones on University Property is safe and in accordance with all applicable regulations and guidelines.
2.00 Definitions
2.01 Drone: A remotely piloted aircraft system that is designed to fly without a human operator on board. This includes but is not limited to: unmanned aircraft, quad copters, and model aircraft.
2.02 Drone Operator: Person seeking to operate the Drone, who is responsible for maintaining control of the Drone throughout the flight.
2.03 University Property: All buildings and grounds, owned, leased or operated by the University, including without limitation outdoor playing areas, athletic and recreational fields and all University residences and housing.
3.00 Jurisdiction/Scope
3.00 This policy applies to:
3.01.01 The operation or use by any person of a Drone on or above University Property or buildings for any purpose. This includes members of the public, visitors, faculty, staff, students, or contractors.
3.01.02 The purchase of a Drone with funding through any university account, fund or any external grants (see Policy 5.11).
3.01.03 The hiring or contracting of any Drone services by a university department.
4.00 Policy
4.01 All Drone use shall follow the Transport Canada Aviation Safety Standards and Canadian Aviation Regulations. The use of Drones shall also comply with all applicable municipal, provincial, territorial and federal laws.
4.02 Drones are only permitted to be used on campus for approved University purposes including, but not limited to, teaching, research, inspections, emergency response, and promotional filming.
4.03 Drones used on or above University Property are required to be registered with the SHERM department at least one week in advance. SHERM shall be notified as to the weight of the Drone, Drone registration number from Transport Canada, Drone Operator information (including proof of Drone Operator information), liability insurance, emergency procedures, proposed flight times and routes and the purpose of the flight.
4.04 Cameras will only be utilized on Drones to film outdoors in public spaces. As with any filming or photography on University Property, External Relations must approve the project and be notified in advance. Under normal circumstances, advance notice of one week must be given.
4.05 Drones shall not be used inside any Laurier owned, operated, leased or rented buildings.
4.06 Drones shall not operate higher than 120 meters above the ground level.
4.07 Drones must be within continuous, unaided visual contact of the Drone Operator, and only operated during daylight and in good weather conditions.
4.08 The Drone Operator must confirm that adequate liability insurance is in place prior to operation. Only Drones owned and operated by the University and University employees for approved university-related activities may be covered under Laurier’s general liability insurance. All users must confirm insurance is in place through the Insurance Office or purchase adequate liability insurance that addresses the Drone operation.
4.09 The Drone Operator must carry a copy of the insurance as well as contact information, Drone registration number and pilot certification
4.10 Drones are not permitted to fly over crowds on or above University Property and buildings unless the pilot has an advanced operations pilot certification.
4.11 The Drone Operator shall immediately stop all operations if the use is no longer in compliance with all certificates, approvals, exemptions or legal obligations, or if the safety of a person, Property or other aircraft is at risk.
4.12 If the Drone is to be used for University purposes by a faculty, staff or student member of the University anywhere other than on University Property, advance written notification to the applicable owners and occupiers of the Property must be provided and their written approval must be obtained prior to operation of the Drone. Copies of the approval letters are to be sent to SHERM. In all cases the applicable Transport Canada regulations must be followed and separate liability insurance obtained.