An exception to the general rule prohibiting the use of drones may be granted in writing by the superintendent or designee in the Department of Operations.
Approved drone operators shall abide by the following procedures:
All drone operators shall be responsible for complying with all current FAA safety guidelines and regulations (subject to change), which include, but are not limited to:
- Hold a valid remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, and have appropriate liability insurance.
- Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
- Maintain visual line of sight with aircraft at all times
- Remain clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations
- When flying operations over people, follow FAA guidelines for doing so.
- Do not fly within five (5) miles of an airport unless the airport and control tower have been notified in advance.
- Do not fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs. (including 鈥減ayload鈥)
- Do not be careless or reckless with aircraft
- Drone used must be the property of Bellingham Public Schools. If the drone is not the property of Bellingham Public Schools, please see Private/Commercial section below
Please refer to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and regulations.
Before commencing approved drone activity, the drone pilot must communicate with the main office of the school or site for awareness.
Video or still images derived from an onboard camera of the unmanned aircraft shall be considered district property. Such video or still images will be subject to applicable district policy pertaining to review and retention of data.
Classroom or educational purposes
Bellingham Public Schools understands that drones may have some educational value in the classroom setting. A teacher wishing to use/demonstrate drone technology in a classroom-related setting must adhere to the following requirements:
- Obtain prior approval from superintendent (or designee) and supervisor;
- A clear and articulable connection between drone technology and the course curriculum must exist;
- Only the teacher, who is appropriately trained and licensed, or an appropriately trained and licensed designee, shall be permitted to use, demonstrate or supervise drone technology on school grounds;
- Such teacher or designee must meet Part 107 of the certification requirements by the FAA;
- Unlicensed students may only operate drones under the direct supervision of a licensed drone pilot and following all other aspects of this procedure.
- No student-owned drones are permitted;
- Drones must be equipped with blade guards;
- Eye protection is required for the drone operator and audience;
- All drones must be stored in a locked location when not in use.
Please refer to the FAA for additional information regarding drone/UAS certification of school employees.
Private/commercial use of unmanned aircraft on or above district property
Any commercial use of unmanned aircraft on district property is prohibited unless approval has been requested and granted at least 48 hours in advance by authorized district personnel for official district business. Commercial use of unmanned aircraft must follow all FAA regulations, including remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, and have appropriate liability insurance. 鈥疨roof of a Certificate of Liability Insurance for a minimum of $1,000,000 will be necessary which names the district as an additional insured.
Approval process鈥痜or private/commercial use
Any individual or entity wishing to use or possess an unmanned aircraft or model aircraft on district property or at a district-sponsored event must receive pre-approval. 鈥疘ndividuals and entities must seek pre-approval by the superintendent or designee in the Department of Operations.
Any individual or entity receiving approval must abide by district policies and procedures, any special restriction put in place by the person granting pre-approval, all current FAA guidance and regulations (https://www.faa.gov/uas), and any laws adopted by state and local authorities.
The above policy and procedural rules do not restrict drone use by emergency first responders to incidents such as building fires, immediate criminal and health threats and hazardous material releases.