Drones are defined as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and are commonly used for recreational, commercial and research purposes. In Canada, remotely piloted aircraft are considered aircraft under the Aeronautics Act and use of drones is governed under the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Purpose
The use of drones on campus poses potential health, safety and privacy risks to the campus community, therefore the purpose of this guideline is to ensure all use of drones on University property is safe and in accordance with all applicable regulations and guidelines. No use of a drone may occur without prior consultation, registration and approval of University of Waterloo Special Constable Service and the Executive Director, Safety, Security and Transportation.
Scope
This guideline applies to all faculty, staff, students, visitors and contractors who intend to use a drone on or above University property for any purpose. It will also apply during the hiring or contracting of any drone piloting services by the University.
This Guideline requires the approval of the University of Waterloo prior to the piloting of a drone on campus. Refer to Transport Canada’s instructions regarding legal requirements.
Definitions
Advertised event means an outdoor event that is advertised to the public, like a concert, festival, market or sporting event.
Microdrone means a drone that weighs under 250 grams.
Remotely piloted aircraft means a navigable aircraft, other than a balloon, rocket or kite, that is operated by a pilot who is not on board
Remotely piloted aircraft system or RPAS means a set of configurable elements consisting of a remotely piloted aircraft, its control station, the command and control links and any other system elements required during flight operation
Small remotely piloted aircraft means a remotely piloted aircraft that has a maximum take-off weight of at least 250 g (0.55 pounds) but not more than 25 kg (55 pounds)
Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) is a permit from Transport Canada for drone flights that go beyond standard basic or advanced rules, such as large drones, in controlled air space, flying multiples drones, flying beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS), over 120 m (400 ft), or at advertised events.
Requirements
- All drone use shall follow the Transport Canada Aviation Safety Standards and Canadian Aviation Regulations. The use of drones shall also respect all applicable federal, municipal, and provincial laws.
- Drones are only permitted to be used on campus for approved University purposes and require approval of the University of Waterloo Special Constable Service and the Executive Director, Safety, Security and Transportation. An approved application is required for each drone flight or flight period.
- Drone operators will complete an application form and provide the completed package of documents to the Executive Director, Safety, Security and Transportation 14 days in advance of the proposed use date. Departmental approvals must be in place prior to submission.
- Drone cameras will only be used to film outdoors in public spaces. As with any filming or photography on University property, Creative Services should be consulted regarding privacy and consent in advance, and appropriate signage must be posted at access points. Normally, advance notice of one week must be given.
- Without an SFOC, a drone shall not operate higher than 122 meters (400 ft) above the ground.
- Drones must only be operated outdoors, during daylight (unless equipped with approved lighting) and in good weather conditions. Any indoor use must be approved by the space owner (i.e. Faculty or department), must be appropriate to drone size and operation, and must not present a safety risk.
- Drones must be operated within continuous, unaided visual contact of the operator, unless the operator holds an Advanced Pilot Certificate and operates within the rules for Extended visual line-of-sight (EVLOS) operations.
- The operator must confirm that adequate liability insurance is in place prior to operation for any drone that is not a microdrone. University Liability Insurance: Only drones owned by the University of Waterloo and operated by University of Waterloo faculty, registered students and staff for approved university-related activities are covered under the University’s general liability insurance. All University of Waterloo faculty, registered students and staff must request a Certificate of insurance in order to confirm insurance is in place through the Finance department. If not, the user must purchase adequate liability insurance that addresses the drone operation.
- The operator must carry a copy of the insurance as well as contact information, NAV Canada Authorization if applicable and drone system limitations.
- Drones are not permitted to fly over crowds on or above University property unless their license permits such use.
- Drones are not permitted to fly over an advertised event without an SFOC.
- The operator shall immediately cease 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.
- The University will normally notify the operator of the drone use approval within 7 days of the proposed use date.
- The University’s consent provides the operator with authority to pilot a drone in the permitted space and not elsewhere.
If the drone is to be used for University purposes by a faculty or staff 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 operation. In all cases, the applicable Transport Canada regulations must be followed and a Certificate of Insurance obtained. For flights in controlled airspace, in addition to an Advanced Pilot Certificate, an RPAS Flight Authorization is required from NAV Canada using the NAV Drone service. Drone operators shall submit the Authorization along with their application.