California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is committed to the safe use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) also known as drones for academic, research, and recreational purposes. CSUSB’s flight management system is a valuable resource designed to ensure the safe use of drones in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) outlines standards to ensure health and safety, environmental, and privacy practices for the safe and responsible use of drones on campus that comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Supporting the Academic Mission
The integration of drone technology and unmanned aerial systems has opened up a world of possibilities for research, education, and recreation on college campuses. As faculty, staff, and researchers, we find ourselves at the forefront of this exciting wave of innovation. However, with great innovation comes great responsibility. Ensuring drone safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is an obligation that safeguards our community and upholds the integrity of our academic pursuits.
Recent regulatory changes have impacted what equipment can be purchased by academic institutions. While this list of approved drones changes rapidly, UCR Riverside has curated a comprehensive list of recommended drones for specific applications that meets these regulatory challenges. We recommend using this list to create your equipment "wish list" and review that list with Risk-EHS prior to purchase so we can evaluate the equipment more closely and ensure your preferred equipment still meets those requirements. Ultimately, Risk-EHS is here to advise and guide our users through these processes to support your success.
Flight Authorizations
Risk-EHS approves all flight authorization requests to operate a drone on campus. The information below is generally required to evaluate a request which includes details about the equipment, pilot, and specific flight operations. Repeat flights can often be evaluated as a project for a simplified notification process.
For affiliates of CSUSB, you can submit pilot, and equipment details, as well as submit flight requests for individual flights, or projects involving multiple flights using our online flight management system. The following process guide will help to provide step-by-step instructions on how to submit a flight request.
For off-campus users such as visitors, vendors, or contractors, please email the following details to ehs@csusb.edu.
Template Flight Request Information
For non-affiliate members such as vendors, contractors, community partners, and visitors seeking a flight authorization, please provide the following details via email to ehs@csusb.edu.
Pilot Name and Contact Information:
Names of any participants and/or observers: Please note that observers are needed if the flight includes operating outside visual line of sight (VLOS) or if an first person view (FPV) system will be used.
Flight Start and Stop Times:
Flight plan: Identify the takeoff/landing points, the anticipated path the aircraft will take, an outline of the subject or area of focus, and the anticipated altitudes and speeds between any waypoints. These may be very crude estimates this far in advance and we understand that plans may change on the day of, or even during the flight. These details help us understand the work that will be conducted in an effort to better anticipate potential risks.
Aircraft and Pilot Details:
- Make/Model(s) of Drones:
- Payload details: (Cameras/sensors/special equipment)
- FAA Registration No.(s)
- Copy of Pilot Part 107 Card for UAS Certification:
Flight Safety Plan: Overview of any specific safety protocols will include elements like contingency planning, crash avoidance procedures, pre-flight safety inspections, pilot attire (vest) etc.
Certificate of Insurance: Evidence of coverage for general liability and property damage. If you do not currently have insurance, please email us at ehs@csusb.edu to review minimum insurance requirements.