Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) – commonly referred to as “drones” – have become increasingly popular in recent years among professionals and hobbyists alike. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a report earlier this year that predicts there will be 10 times as many commercial drones and 3.5 million recreational drones in the skies across the U.S. by 2021.
The FAA recently amended its regulations and adopted specific rules for the operation of sUAS through Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 C.F.R.) Part 107. The agency also released a memorandum addressing the use of certain types ofdrones at educational institutions.
The FAA memo clarifies that student use of drones at accredited educational institutions as a component of science, technology and aviation-related educational curricula or other coursework may be operated under the rules governing hobby or recreational use.
West Virginia University Drone Review Policy
WVU recognizes drones are an important tool for a variety endeavors across our University, including academic and research activities, filmmaking, surveillance, disaster relief and more.
As such, WVU has enacted a Drone Review Policy, which is designed to ensure compliance with FAA rules and regulations as well as other Federal and State guidelines.
Highlights of the policy include:
The policy ensures the University has clear lines of authority and well-defined internal processes to identify, manage and mitigate risk and ensure safe and legal operation of sUAS in furtherance of WVU’s goals and objectives.
The policy applies to all University faculty, staff and students using or proposing to use sUAS for official WVU activities. The policy also applies to any sUAS operations on or over property owned or managed by the University.
Certificate of Authorization:
Operation of sUAS on WVU property (including the University’s divisional campuses) for official WVU-related business is prohibited without an approved Certificate of Authorization (COA) issued from the sUAS (Drone) Operations Officer within University Police.
Operators must submit a completed COA application form to drones@mail.wvu.edu at least 10 business days prior to the proposed sUAS operation. Applications also may be mailed to:
West Virginia University sUAS (Drone) Operations Officer
992 Elmer Prince Drive
P.O. Box 6563
Morgantown, WV 26506-6563
Additional WVU administrators may be appointed by the Office of the Provost to assist in reviewing applications involving research or academic initiatives or curriculum. Further, other University experts may be consulted as necessary to assist in evaluating requests.
Note: The sUAS (Drone) Operations Officer will notify operators of a decision or request additional information within five business days after the original request is received.
Accident Reporting:
The drone remote pilot in command is required to immediately report any sUAS accidents to University Police at (304) 293-2677 if the accident causes serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness. Further, visible damage to any property (other than the sUAS) must immediately be reported if the cost to either repair or replace the property exceeds $500.
A Standard Accident Reporting Form also must be submitted to the sUAS (Drone) Operations Officer within 24 hours of the incident.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure the safe and legal operation of drones at WVU. Visit the University Police Policies website to view the full WVU Drone Review Policy, access the related forms and read FAQs associated with the policy.