Directive on the Use of Drones (a.k.a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems/Vehicles) at McGill University

1. Introduction. All recreational and non-recreational piloting of drones, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or any other powered flying object, is governed by Transport Canada legislation and University policies, rules and regulations.
2. Principles Recreational use of drones is not permitted on university property. McGill university-related drone use (i.e. research, teaching, university events, etc.) on university property is permitted provided it meets legislative and university requirements. Commercial use on university property will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Off-campus use of McGill-owned drones must comply with all applicable local legislation. Personal use of McGill-owned drones on or off McGill property is prohibited. The Pilot and Drone Owner shall be responsible for all acts, damages or injuries of any nature caused by the Pilot or employees or any third party under the direction or control of the Pilot arising out of, or as a result of, the operation of any Drone on university property. The Pilot and Drone Owner shall indemnify and hold McGill University harmless of any and all claims, actions, losses, expenses which may arise out of, or result from, the operation of any Drone on university property.
3. McGill University Requirements for all drone pilots:
   1. Pilots must comply with all current Transport Canada legislation, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to, the need to have a visual observer to accompany the pilot, or obtaining a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). Before commencing drone flight, all pilots must (items 2-6):
   2. Complete the Registration and Insurance Application Form. This form is designed to facilitate the drone approval process. Complete the form and submit it along with all supporting documentation to Security Services at least 15 business days before the first proposed flight date at campus.security [at] mcgill.ca. Incomplete applications will be returned.
   3. Provide proof of appropriate insurance coverage. For McGill-owned or formally loaned / leased drones:
      • (a) McGill-owned drones must be registered with Risk Advisory & Insurance Services,
      • (b) Proof of insurance must be requested through Risk Advisory & Insurance Services. Pilots must also contact Risk Management and Insurance to ensure that their planned flight path is covered by the University’s insurance policy. Pilots must comply with all applicable local legislation. Proof of insurance may only be requested by faculty or staff. If it is the intent of faculty that a student pilot the aircraft, they must have supervisor approval on the Registration and Insurance Application form.
      • (c) Any potential McGill operations with (non-certified) prototype drones requires additional approvals from Risk Management and Insurance. Third-party UAS:Privately owned drones cannot be covered under the University’s insurance.Use of non-McGill-owned drones requires proof of liability insurance from the Drone Owner adding the University as additional insured. The university should be named as: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning / McGill University
   4. Obtain written permission from all owners of the property on which the drone will take off or launch from, and/or land or recover on.
      • Pilots must comply with all legal requirements with regards privacy or trespassing that their research or work may be subject to.
   5. For flights on McGill property or taking-off/launching or landing/recovering on McGill property,
      • (a) Verify with the relevant university unit that the proposed flight area is available,
      • (b) Advise Security Services at campus.security [at] mcgill.ca at least one business day before commencing any flight.
   6. As per Transport Canada guidelines, pilots must be appropriately trained to pilot such aircraft, and the drone must be maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.
   7. During flights on McGill property, pilots are required to have the following documents with them at all times:
      • (a) Proof of approval from McGill.
      • (b) Proof of liability insurance coverage.
      • (c) Personal identification card (i.e. McGill ID card, Driver’s license, other). Any documents required by Transport Canada regulations. The university reserves the right to review non-research related drone footage prior to release.
   8. The university reserves the right to review non-research related drone footage prior to release.