Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) / Drone Program

 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, are unmanned aircraft used below the federal navigable airspace. They include associated support equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications, and navigation equipment etc. UAS may have a variety of names/types, including quadcopter, fixed-wing, etc. This also includes unmanned aircraft that do not meet the common definition of a drone (e.g., remote-controlled blimps, model rockets, balloons, etc.) 

The San Bernardino City USD believes in the appropriate, legal, and safe use of UAS/Drones for educational or operational purposes, and our Board of Education adopted Policy: Policy 3515.21: Unmanned aircraft systems. Please read this Policy before requesting or conducting any flights. 

This technology offers great potential for research and other educational functions, as well as providing opportunities for recreational use and business pursuits. Additionally, the District has an obligation to consider public safety, privacy, civil rights, and shared airspace issues related to the use of UAS. 

Requesting Flight Approval

All UAS on San Bernardino City USD-owned property and/or for official San Bernardino City USD business (off-campus as well) must be reviewed and approved before flight. Only Part 107-certified remote aircraft pilots, or FAA regular pilots with drone certifications, can fly UAS. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, District contractors, visitors, and indoor and outdoor use. Allow 3 business days for approval. 

The Office of Safety & Emergency Management ensures that all SBCUSD Drone activities are conducted in a manner that protects students, faculty, staff, visitors, the public, property, and the environment and complies with all applicable policies, laws, and regulations. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and San Bernardino City USD require that all operators follow these steps before flight: 

1. Register your UAS online here with the FAA if applicable (between 0.55 – 55 pounds).
2. Submit a flight request
   • SBCUSD students & staff: — Use the SBCUSD Drone Web App (go to Web app, sign in, and select the Drone symbol). See the User Guide for help. 
   • Partner Vendors or Outside Groups — Use the Flight Request Form (no less than 72 hours before the proposed flight). 
3. During the Flight Request review, provide any additional information upon request by Safety/OES*. 
4. Upon Safety/OES approval, comply with all FAA regulations and any additional San Bernardino City USD flight precautions and restrictions. 
5. Submit a post-flight report immediately after your flight(s). Third-party affiliates must use this post-flight report form. 

School District Property and Beyond

• Non-public safety drone flights must remain within the physical boundary lines of SBCUSD property. Drones should not be flown over neighborhoods, homes, or businesses. 
• Flights may be prohibited in certain areas around or near residences, patient care facilities, juvenile detention facilities, jails, hospitals, sensitive ecological habitats, and other areas deemed risky or that interfere with District business. 

Airspace Map

• UAS users should utilize an airspace map (e.g., B4UFLY) before flying to determine their requirements and risks. Additionally, please refer to the FAA website for areas and altitudes in controlled airspace around airports where drone pilots can receive authorization to fly below the maximum altitude.
• Click the Link below to see the No Fly Zone Map (Class D) within our San Bernardino School District.

No Fly Zone Map

Resources and Support

We encourage San Bernardino City USD staff and students to contact Safety@sbcusd.com for assistance with all UAS matters. We offer personalized flight training opportunities, developing flight manuals, obtaining insurance, filing FAA waivers/COAs, and many other free, helpful services. 

Please visit the following for more useful resources:

• UC Center of Excellence – Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety: Learn how the University of California is leading the way in keeping drone use safe and responsible through research and education.
• District of California Drone Policy: Take a look at how drone use is managed in California’s federal court system, helpful for understanding legal expectations.
• UC Policy Guidance Document (PDF): This quick-read PDF shares UC’s official guidelines for flying drones safely and legally on campus and for educational use.
• UC Drones Knowledge Portal (GitHub): A shared resource from the UC drone community, packed with helpful tools, tips, and information for drone operators.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Visit the FAA’s main page for everything you need to know about flying drones legally in the U.S.
• FAA UAS Flight Data Facility Maps: Check out this interactive map to see where drones can fly and what areas have restrictions.
• FAA FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Areas) Map: See where drones can fly without needing Remote ID, often at schools or model airfields.
• San Bernardino City USD – Privacy and Compliance: Learn how our district protects student privacy and ensures all drone use follows the rules.
• AirData: A helpful site for logging drone flights, tracking performance, and making sure everything stays safe and compliant.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Safety & Emergency Management

Note: This page has a friendly link that's easy to remember: www.sbcusd.com/drones