Using Drones on Palm Springs USD Property

Obtain approval as a student

Safety

• For safety reasons, the use of personal drones on school grounds is strictly prohibited.
• To ensure everyone's safety and get proper approval, you'll need to obtain authorization from the authorized teacher or staff member on campus.
• District drones must be operated in a designated enclosed area with staff supervision.
• You can learn more about the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for drone usage, depending on the student's age and the drone's capabilities.

Policy

• To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, flying drones on school property requires approval from a school administrator and supervision by a staff member who has obtained authorization for drone operation.
• To fly a drone as a hobbyist in the state of California (i.e. for fun / pleasure) you are required by the FAA to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).

Equipment

• Only drones approved and/or purchased by the school district are permitted on campus.

Obtain approval as a teacher/staff member

Those granted permission

• Teachers/ Staff members who are part of a school or district drone program.
• District-approved drones may be operated on campus with prior approval for educational programs and curriculum integration.

Equipment

• To ensure safe and responsible drone usage at school, only district-approved drones are allowed.
• To ensure responsible and safe drone use, we allow the operation of district-owned drones only.
• Click here to download and fill out the Drone Permit

Drone Safety Guidelines

The following must be adhered to operate any drone over District property, or to use a District-owned drone anywhere: 

• Do teachers/staff use pre-flight checklists and risk mitigation forms for internal use and documentation?
• Do teachers have flight binders for documentation of flights?
• Does the school and/or department have UAS or drone maintenance plans and record-keeping procedures?
• Are all applicable teachers/staff FAA Part 107 Certified Pilots?
• Do all applicable teachers/staff hold a state UAS Commercial Operator Permit (if required)
• Do current insurance policies include coverage for Small Unmanned Air Systems/Drones?

Palm Springs Unified School District recognizes the potential of drone technology for various purposes beyond classroom instruction. These protocols establish a framework for safe, responsible, and legal drone use within PSUSD property and activities.

Authorized Uses

Drones may be used for the following authorized purposes on PSUSD property or at PSUSD-sanctioned events such as extra-curricular or sporting events  with prior approval:

• Event photography/videography: Capturing aerial footage of sporting events, school plays, or other PSUSD-approved functions (requires FAA licensing and event notification).

Approval Process

All drone usage for PSUSD purposes beyond the classroom setting requires prior written approval. The following steps must be followed:

1. Application Submission: Submit a formal application to the Department of Education Technology Information Services (ETIS). The application should include:
   • Purpose of Drone Use: Detailed explanation of the intended use of the drone.
   • Location of Activity: Specific location of drone operation within PSUSD property.
   • Drone Information: Type and specifications of the drone to be used.
   • Operator Qualifications: Pilot qualifications and experience of the drone operator (including required FAA license).
   • Risk Assessment: Comprehensive assessment of potential risks and safety mitigation strategies.
   • Data Collection Plan (if applicable): Detailed plan for data collection, storage, and security (if drone use involves collecting data).

2. Review and Approval: ETIS, in collaboration with relevant departments (e.g., Security, Facilities), will review the application. Approval will be granted based on:

   • Alignment with authorized uses.
   • Qualifications of the operator.
   • Adequacy of the risk assessment and safety plan.
   • Compliance with FAA regulations and PSUSD policies.

General Drone Use Guidelines

• FAA Regulations: All drone operations must comply with current FAA regulations, including registration, licensing, and airspace restrictions.
• Operator Qualifications: Drone operators must possess the necessary skills and experience for safe operation. FAA certification may be required for certain uses.
• Safety First: Safety is the top priority. Operators must be aware of their surroundings, maintain a safe distance from people and property, and avoid interfering with manned aircraft.
• Privacy Considerations: Drone use must respect the privacy of students, staff, and visitors. Data collection activities require additional approvals and clear communication.
• Insurance: PSUSD may require operators to carry liability insurance for drone use.

Obtain approval to bring in a vendor using their drone equipment

All staff, departments, and programs within the school district seeking to acquire or utilize technology from external vendors must follow the procedure below:

1. Needs Assessment
2. Vendor Research
3. ETIS Department Approval Request
4. ETIS Evaluation

The individual or department seeking to initiate or participate in the activity/program must submit a formal request for approval to the site administrator. The requesting department submits a request for approval to The Division of Education Technology Information Services.

Additional Considerations

• FAA Regulations: Ensure the chosen drones comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for educational use.
• Insurance: Verify if the vendor's insurance covers drone operation on school grounds. The district may also need to consider additional insurance coverage.
• Safety Training: Confirm that the vendor provides comprehensive safety training for authorized personnel who will be operating the drones.