Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Goshen College
Our Westlawn renovation project is underway and will create a new home for nursing and public health. Learn more and see updates
Safety & Security  —  Drone or UAV Operational Guidelines

Drone or UAV Operational Guidelines

Goshen College Drone or UAV Operational Guidelines:

These guidelines cover any and all property owned and or operated by Goshen College.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is a remotely piloted aircraft. Goshen College puts a high value on the privacy, safety, and security of its students, staff and faculty. Any request to operate a drone/UAV over the property of Goshen College will be processed according to the following procedures.

  1. The operation of any UAV equipment on and over lands owned and operated by Goshen College shall follow all state and federal regulations  (hobby uses: PL 112-95 §336 commercial uses: Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR Part 107) and requires prior consent and UAV Registration with the  Director of Campus Safety. (See more about Public Law at the bottom of this document).
    1. The Director Campus Safety in collaboration with the Dean of Students and  Physical Plant Director (when necessary) will review the plan and make a recommendation to the Provost, noting any limitations.
    2. Local Law Enforcement use of UAV technology in execution of a search warrant or as part of a tactical response to an immediate threat is automatically authorized, subject to applicable law and government regulations.
    3. Operators will check in with the Director of Campus Safety or the on-duty Campus Safety Officer before use on campus. Operators must agree to notify Campus Safety upon leaving campus.
  2. Operating plans shall include:
    1. Equipment to be used, (include information about the UAV control systems, FAA Registration Number, and communication systems etc.)
    2. Date and approximate time to be used
    3. Location(s) to be used
    4. Purpose(s) of the operation
    5. The identity and contact information of pilot(s) or other remote operator(s)
    6. All forms of data (including imagery) to be collected
    7. Current status of any required licenses
    8. Provisions for security of the equipment, both during and outside of operation, and of any sensitive data collected
  3. For approval of an operating plan:
    1. Plan must be submitted at least 3 business days prior to operations on campus
    2. The plan must include all required information in its content
    3. The envisioned operation must comply with applicable laws, government regulations, and other College policies
    4. The envisioned operation must not pose an unacceptable threat to health, safety, privacy, or the environment, either in an absolute sense or compared to other methods of obtaining the desired information
    5. The envisioned operation must be judged by administrators (Director of Campus Safety, Dean of Students and Physical Plant Director) to be in the best interest of the public and the College
  4. The Director of Campus Safety will notify operators of approval to operate on campus. This must be received before the UAV is brought onto campus.

The College holds the right to immediately shut down the operation (either by order to operator) of any UAV if it creates any type of electronic interference, poses a hazard to sensitive campus equipment, invades the privacy of any student or staff, or interferes with a College activity or event. Non-compliance of a cease and desist order from college administration will result in a potential UAV ban from college property for an indefinite period of time.

Any questions or comments about this UAV policy shall be directed to Director of Campus Safety at 574-535-7544 or by email at safety@goshen.edu.

UAS FEDERAL AND PUBLIC REGULATIONS

Fly in accordance with the Special Rule for Model Aircraft
(Public Law 112-95 Section 336). Under this rule, operators must:

  • Fly for hobby or recreational purposes only
  • Follow a community-based set of safety guidelines
  • Fly the UAS within visual line-of-sight
  • Give way to manned aircraft
  • Provide prior notification to the airport and air traffic control tower, if one is present, when flying within 5 miles of an airport
  • Fly UAS that weigh no more than 55 lbs. unless certified by a community-based organization
  • Register the aircraft (UAS over 0.55 lbs. and less than 55 lbs. can be registered online at registermyuas.faa.gov; UAS 55 lbs. or greater must be registered through the FAA’s paper-based process)

Fly in accordance with the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107). This requires operators to:

  • Obtain a remote pilot certificate or be under the direct supervision of someone who holds such a certificate.
  • Register the aircraft as a non-modeler at registermyuas.faa.gov
  • Follow all the operating rules in accordance with the regulation