It is the protocol of the Berkeley County School District to maintain a safe learning environment. The District has determined that unapproved use of unmanned aircraft or aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, poses a safety hazard. Thus, the use of drones is prohibited for any purpose by any person or entity at any District-sponsored event, game, match, or tournament, or anywhere in, on or directly above or upon property or premises owned, maintained or used by the District for any purpose, unless otherwise preempted by applicable state or federal law. The District reserves the right to remove or refuse admission to any individual who violates this procedure. The District further reserves the right to exclude any individual who violates this procedure from future District events. Violators may also be reported to the appropriate authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Students or employees violating this procedure shall be subject to formal disciplinary actions pursuant to District policies.

Use of Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)

An exception to the general rule prohibiting the use of drones may be granted in writing by the Superintendent or his/her designee, at his/her sole discretion. Drone operators shall abide by the appropriate use outlined below.

Appropriate Use

All drones operators shall by responsible for complying with all FAA safety guidelines and regulations (subject to change), which include, but are not limited to:

• Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles

• Maintain a visual line of sight with the aircraft at all times

• Remain clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations

• Do no fly within five (5) miles or any airport unless the airport and control towers have been notified in advance

• Do not fly above or near people or stadiums

• Do not fly any aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs. (including the “payload”)

• Do not be careless or reckless with aircraft

School Related: The District understands that drones may have some educational value in the classroom setting. A teacher/instructor that uses the drone technology in a classroom setting must adhere to the following requirements:

1. The teacher/instructor must get pre-approval from the Superintendent or his/her designee. The teacher/instructor must submit the following information in writing with his/her pre-approval request:
a. Age and grade of the students who would be flying the drone;
b. Size and weight of the drone;
c. The educational purposes of students flying the drone;
d. The level of supervision including student-to-teacher ratio and supervision plan; and
e. The location of the lesson and list of all possible locations that the drone will be flown.

2. A clear and articulable connection between drone technology and the course curriculum must exist

3. The teacher/instructor or appropriately trained or licensed designee, will be supervising students with the drones and making sure they follow the appropriate rules and regulations

4. No student owned drones are allowed

5. Drones shall not be operated indoors

Private or Commercial Use: Private or commercial individuals/entities shall be required to adhere to the following procedures and requirements:

1. Submit a request to the District in advance, which shall include the following information:
a. Explanation for use of a drone on District property;
b. Size and weight of the drone; and
c. List of all possible locations that the drone will be flown.

2. Sign a release of liability with the District

3. Provide proof Certificate of Authorization (COA) or the necessary 333 exemption form as issued by the FAA, when required

4. Provide a Certificate of Liability insurance that names Berkeley County School District (107 E. Main Street, Moncks Corner, SC 29461) as an additional insured

5. All photos/videos taken become the property of the District and cannot be released on media outlets or any other social outlets

6. All operators shall be required to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws