Campuses + Communities:  Legal counsel and drone operational staff at public and private universities, municipalities, public works, park and public systems.

As drone usage expands across campuses and communities, so too does the complexity of legal oversight. From FAA Part 108 regulations to state privacy laws and local ordinances, the legal terrain around unmanned aerial systems is evolving rapidly. This session provides critical insights into navigating compliance, managing institutional risk, and crafting policies that protect both the organization and the public. Counsel will gain a clearer understanding of liability exposure, data privacy considerations, and how to align drone operations with institutional and governmental obligations. Register now.

-FAA Part 108 regulations and compliance requirements

-Review regulatory landscape involving federal, state, and local jurisdictions

-Airspace rights and property law intersections

-Trespass and privacy considerations

-Risk management and operational compliance

-Public-specific use cases and regulatory challenges

-How to navigate the multi-layered regulatory environment

-Understanding compliance requirements for different operational contexts

-Developing risk management strategies

-Addressing legal complexities unique to institutional and commercial drone use

Jason Lorenzon, Senior Attorney at Gertsburg Licata, is a seasoned aviation and drone law specialist combining legal expertise with real-world flight credentials. He is an FAA-licensed Airline Transport Pilot (multi-engine & instrument), a Certified Flight Instructor (single, multi & instrument), and was among the first in Ohio to hold the FAA’s Remote Pilot in Command sUAS certificate.

 Board-Certified Specialist in Aviation Law (Florida Bar, 2021), Jason leads the university aeronautics program at Kent State University, overseeing multiple undergraduate and minor programs while teaching courses in aviation law, security, and policy. Gertsburg Licata

He holds a B.A. in Political Science and a B.Mus (with distinction) from the University of Western Ontario, and a J.D. from Cleveland State University (Marshall College of Law). Gertsburg Licata

In his practice, Jason helps educational institutions, drone operators, and aviation stakeholders navigate complex regulatory, compliance, and operational challenges. He has been an invited speaker on drone law at national forums and serves in leadership roles on aviation law committees and FAA safety teams.

1. What is Our Comprehensive Legal Framework for Drone Operations?

“Do we have policies that address the intersection of federal FAA regulations, state privacy laws, local ordinances, and our own institutional rules?”

Why This Matters: Universities operate under multiple overlapping jurisdictions. A drone flight might comply with FAA Part 108 but violate state privacy laws or campus safety policies. Legal counsel needs a holistic framework that addresses all regulatory layers.

2. How Do We Manage Liability and Insurance Coverage Across Different Use Cases?

“Are we adequately covered for academic research flights, facilities inspections, campus security operations, and third-party contractor use?”

Why This Matters: Different drone applications carry vastly different risk profiles. A journalism class filming campus events has different liability exposures than facilities management inspecting rooftops or contractors surveying construction sites.

3. What Are Our Privacy and Data Protection Obligations?

“How do we handle FERPA compliance when drones capture student images, and what are our obligations regarding data storage, sharing, and retention?”

Why This Matters: Campus drones inevitably capture images of students, faculty, and visitors. Universities must navigate FERPA requirements, state privacy laws, and institutional policies while ensuring academic and operational freedom.

4. How Do We Balance Academic Freedom with Safety and Compliance Requirements?

“What processes ensure research and educational drone use meets safety standards without stifling legitimate academic inquiry and innovation?”

Why This Matters: Universities must support legitimate research and educational activities while maintaining compliance. Overly restrictive policies can harm academic programs, while insufficient oversight creates legal and safety risks.

5. What’s Our Strategy for Managing Third-Party and Unauthorized Drone Activities?

“How do we address unauthorized drone flights over campus, vendor/contractor operations, and distinguish between permitted research and prohibited recreational use?”

Why This Matters: Universities can’t control all drone activity in their airspace, but they can establish clear policies for authorized use and response protocols for unauthorized flights. This includes everything from student recreational flying to commercial vendors conducting campus work.