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Unmanned Aerial Systems Program (Drones)

Unmanned Aerial Systems Program (Drones)

The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, presents a number of unique safety, regulatory, and privacy challenges when operated on campus or off campus for research and other Colby related activities.  In an effort to minimize the risk and meet the FAA operator regulations Colby has developed an Unmanned Aerial Systems Policy with applicable training and operator requirements.

To operate UAS for Colby College follow the instructions below:

Colby Students

Only students participating in the Colby sponsored Drone Club or conducting legitimate research activities may operate a UAS on campus.  Prior to operations students must complete the following:

  1. Review the Colby’s UAS Policy.
  2. Login to the FAA website and complete the online FAA course Part 107.
  3. Pass a Moodle based quiz on the Part 107 training and UAS policy with a score of 80%.
  4. Review and sign UAS Operation Requirements Acknowledgment and provide a copy to the Environmental, Health and Safety Director at [email protected].
  5. Register your UAS with the Environmental, Health, and Safety Director via e-mail.
  6. Before any operation, the operator must complete the online preflight notification form and preflight inspection checklist.
  7. Drone Club members are only permitted to operate the UAS in the areas/altitudes listed in Appendix C of the policy.

Colby Faculty, Staff, and Third Party Operators

Commercial use of UAS for Colby business by College employees or contractors must comply with all FAA requirements for commercial operations.  In addition, commercial operators must comply with Colby’s UAS Policy to include at a minimum:

  1. Review and sign UAS Operation Requirements Acknowledgment and provide a copy to the Environmental, Health and Safety Director at [email protected].
  2. Contractors must have appropriate liability insurance coverage which must be reviewed by the College’s Director of Risk Management.
  3. Before any operation, the operator must complete the online preflight notification form and preflight inspection checklist. Flights outside of the areas listed in Appendix C, must have permission from the EHS Director.
  4. Follow the FAA requirements and the requirements of Colby’s UAS Policy at all times when operating on Colby business.

Helpful Links

  1. Weather conditions for drones at https://oktofly.com/