Back to Drone Drivers License Main Page

Teacher Pathway

MCS Drone Drivers License for Teachers

Educational Use of Drones for Teachers follows the FAA Guidelines for Recreational Use. Complete these steps before you fly your Drone.

Note: If Intent is photography, videography, HVAC, and/or use at work then you will want to follow the Pilot Certification Part 107 Pathway.

Step 1

  1. Complete the online TRUST self-paced course and exam. This exam is free and 100% correctable with 23 questions that takes 15-30minutes and covers Drone Requirements, Preparation, Safety, and Limitations.

  2. Register with your District Email Address and complete the TRUST at https://dronetrust.com/faa-trust/course

  3. Upload your TRUST certificate to this MCS Online Form: https://mcsedtech.com/dronetrustcert

Important Note: Your account will be deleted per FAA requirements; so, make sure you save your certificate immediately after completing the course to upload to the form in the link above.

Step 2

Follow safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized CBO

This step the FAA is still working on, it is recommended that we follow the following safety guidelines:

FTCA Flite Test Community Association Safety Guidelines

Step 3

Keep drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is co-located and in direct communication with operator

Step 4

Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft

Note: Orville Wright Elementary School will not be able to fly Drones due to the location of the school being near the Modesto Airport.

Step 5

Fly at or below 400 feet

In controlled airspaces (Class B, C , D, and E) only with prior authorization by using LAANC or DroneZone or Aloft App (iOS and Android)

Note: Orville Wright Elementary School will not be able to fly Drones due to the location of the school being near the Modesto Airport.

Step 6

Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace

Classes of airspace and flying restrictions can be found on B4UFLY app or UAS Facility Maps Webpage

Note: Orville Wright Elementary School will not be able to fly Drones due to the location of the school being near the Modesto Airport.

Step 7

Have your Students take TRUST and keep proof of certification for Teacher and Students

Note: Students Drone Driver License steps are also located on the Student Tech Help Center Website.

Step 8

Have current registration number marked on all your drone(s) in your classroom.

Note: Pilot registers once and applies the same registration number on all of their drones (UAS)

  1. Drone Registration is $5, valid for 3 years at FAADroneZone https://faadronezone.faa.gov , Choose "I fly under The Exception for Recreational Flyer". Cost is a School Site or Department expense.

  2. Submit your registration number for your drone(s) to this MCS Online Form: https://mcsedtech.com/droneregistration

Step 9

Do not operate your drone in a dangerous manner

Step 10

Review and follow these MCS Drone Board Policies:

BP 3515.21
Adopted on 3/28/2022

AR 3515.21
Adopted 3/2/2022

Exhibit 3515.21
Adopted on 3/2/2022
Online Form Version

From AR 3515.21:

The following restrictions apply to the time, place, and manner of Drones in our District. Violations of any restrictions listed in the policy may result in revocation of District flight approval and future use.

  • Only with persons with appropriate certification and approval may fly the Drone.

  • Drone may only be flown during daylight hours.

  • Operator must be within visual line of sight of Drone and in control at all times.

  • Drone may not be flown over outdoor athletic facilities or stadiums when people are

  • present.

  • Drone may not be flown over people

  • Drone may not be flown within 100 feet of buildings.

  • Drone may not be flown within 150 feet of persons or animals.

  • Drone may not be flown in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.

  • Maximum altitude of 400 feet. Institutional airspace includes that portion of the

  • air space between the surface of the ground and 300 feet above the ground or above a building or structure erected on the property.

  • Drone must stay well away from manned aircraft, especially low-flying helicopters.

  • Drone may not be flown in a manner which interferes with ground vehicles or traffic.

  • Drone may not be flown inside buildings.

  • Drone may not be used to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information which may be found, for example, on an individual’s workspaces, on computer, or other electronic displays.

  • Drone may not be flown over Early Childhood Education center facilities.

  • Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission.

  • Drone may not be used to monitor or record areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in accordance with accepted social norms. These areas include but are not limited to restrooms, locker rooms, changing or dressing rooms, and health treatment rooms.

Step 11

Review these guidelines from Risk Management:

  • Do not fly Drones indoors

  • School Sites will be responsible for the $5 every 3 years registration fee for the Teacher to register their drone(s)

  • School Sites are responsible for up to $125K of liability damage in any drone incidents

  • School Sites are responsible for any costs related to lost/damaged drones

  • Risk Management wants to make sure that all operators (Teachers, Staff, or Students) sign and acknowledge an agreement that includes the policy notes, rules, and regulations that are included in the Drone Drivers License program

Step 12

Every time you want to fly the drone complete the MCS Online Form for Permit For Use of Drones Over District Property at https://mcsedtech.com/dronepermittofly

Submit this form at least 5 days before needing approval for use.

Approval: from this request you will receive information if you have been approved for your planned drone activity. Do not operate without approved permission.

Note: Orville Wright Elementary School will not be able to fly Drones due to the location of the school being near the Modesto Airport.

Step 13

MCS Drone Drivers License Agreement to Sign

Sign the Agreement on this online form: https://mcsedtech.com/droneagreement

Resources:

FAA Drone Regulations permits Teachers and Students to fly drones for educational purposes. This is Section 350 of the 14 CFR Part 107, Small UAS Rule & P.L. 115-254 Regulations.

Back to Drone Drivers License Main Page