INFORMATION

Drones have many potential positive uses for both staff and students throughout RUSD. These guidelines are intended to promote the responsible, safe, and legal use of UASs over District properties. While it is the responsibility of the drone user to understand and follow all government regulations, which will not be reprinted herein, this document will provide a brief synopsis of actions and information required by the prospective drone user prior to operating a UAS over District property, or using a District-owned drone anywhere.

RISKS

The use of drones poses unique risks, many of which are self-evident, such as the possibility of injury due to malfunction or misuse, or property damage to others and the drone itself. However, there are also risks which may not be quite so obvious. These include the possibility of charges of invasion of privacy (e.g., flying over someone’s backyard), hitting a fire sprinkler when flown indoors causing water damage, and potential personal liability to the operator for damages/injury caused by illegal use (such as flying an unregistered drone, or flying without the proper government issued piloting certification).

WHICH TYPE OF OPERATOR ARE YOU?

Drones can be operated legally only under one of two FAA regulatory categories, and you are responsible for assuring you follow all regulations under the appropriate option, else you are operating illegally. Note that if you operate a drone for District purposes in an illegal manner, the District’s insurance may not be able to cover you or defend you should a liability claim or lawsuit be filed against you, and you may be personally subject to significant government fines. Thus the importance of knowing which regulatory option you are operating under, and understanding (and following) all regulations of that option.

OPTION ONE: FLYING FOR HOBBY OR RECREATION USE ONLY.

This option is described under FAA Special Rule for Model Aircraft (Section 336)

OPTION TWO: FLYING FOR COMMERCIAL USE

This option is described under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107).

Please see the UAS/Drone Guidelines as there are summaries of each user type (as it relates to District use) to help you decide which option your intended use fits under… but remember, it is your responsibility to study, understand, and follow FAA regulations before any use for District purposes or over District property.

Once you have read the Drone Safety guidelines and have made the determination of the user type, please contact the office of Risk Management for a Drone permit and it will be emailed to you. You may contact us at riskmanagement@menifeeusd.org.