Letter from Matt King, CEO of Drone Camp

As a recent graduate of Ball State University, I am saddened to see Ball State’s recently published UAS Drone Policy and lack of knowledge in the world of electronic aviation. Furthermore, Ball State University did not list any consultation from the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Muncie Regional Airport, Federal Aviation Administration Regional Regulators or any other aviation based organization when writing this policy.

Before I break down several points of clarification, I would like to give you a brief overview of my background as a professional in drone technology as well as my businesses.

Over the past two years, Drone Camp has serviced thousands of students from all over the country from Los Angeles to Atlanta. Our programs have been featured on USA Today, FOX, Huffington Post and ABC. Google ranks Drone Camp as number one for drone companies specializing in K-12 education and we have even partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on panels discussing drone implementation in education. Last year, Presidential Candidate and Ohio Governor John Kasich wrote a letter of Proclamation applauding the work of Drone Camp and this year, August 1 was declared Drone Camp Innovation Day by the Mayor of Cincinnati.

1. You Do Not Own Your Own Airspace

“This policy also applies to any third party or hobbyist that may operate a drone on or over university facilities with approval from the Office of Risk Management. ” Ball State Drone Policy

The FAA has the sole authority to control public airspace. Ball State University is not this authority and cannot prevent someone from flying over their school. Furthermore, the FAA classifies these drones as “aircrafts” and Ball State University cannot prevent any aircraft from flying over without authorization from the FAA in the form of a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). The University could, however, prevent or regulate the take-offs and landings of drones happening on their property due to the drone physically touching Ball State University land.

2. University & University Police Jurisdiction Does Not Extend to Aircraft

“Any operation or use of a drone that violates this policy will be reported to the relevant university officer as a violation of university rules and the operator will be subject to applicable disciplinary sanctions. Failing to comply with any of these various regulations may result in significant fines and significant personal liability to the Operator.” Ball State Drone Policy

The FAA works on a complaint basis only when it comes to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or “drones”. Reports should be directed to the local FAA office. University Police and the Office of Risk Management can deal with students and staff violating local laws and code of conduct but they have no legal authority when it comes to drone flights over Ball State University.

3. Lack of Knowledge on Weather

“All operators covered by this policy shall apply for approval to the Office of Risk Management for any drone activity at least 14 calendar days prior to the first drone flight. Previously approved operators must also apply for approval 14 calendar days prior to each planned flight unless otherwise approved by the Office of Risk Management.” Ball State Drone Policy

This policy shows the lack of knowledge when it comes to understanding weather in regards to aviation. Weather.com does not even issue a 14 day forecast. How can a pilot expect to fly a drone by giving the Office of Risk Management a 14 day notice when he or she cannot even acquire a weather briefing? My recommendation is that the drone operator submit a flight brief with a company called AirMap which they will then relay to the FAA and Ball State University.

Final Thoughts:

I applaud Ball State for trying to put together a drone policy but the way this has been drafted is clearly not encouraging innovation and future aviation careers. Purdue, Indiana State, Notre Dame and IUPUI all have aviation based majors and are producing future aviators annually…Ball State does not offer any aviation majors or classes. I hope Ball State consults with future schools before establishing future policies.

Here are my recommendations:

• Regulate take-offs and landings vs. flying over campus
• Have a short gateway class that will allow students a blanket policy to fly instead of applying per flight after completion
• Ball State should issue FAA Part 107 licenses (commercial drone license obtained by written exam)
• Bring in community and industry partners to advise the University on jurisdiction in regards to aviation
• Establish a strong relationship with Muncie Airport and your local FAA Regulator

Sources:

https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/courses/content/25/185/GA%20Weather%20Decision-Making%20Dec05.pdf

https://www.faa.gov/uas/

http://cms.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/riskmanagement/relatedpolicies/uas-drone-policy

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf