AVIATION HULL & LIABILITY GUIDE This guide outlines the insurance available for staff and students who are licensed to use RPAs (drones) as part of their research and learning activities. It is important that you understand the insurance requirements before engaging in any activities involving RPAs. This summary will guide you through the basic requirements. Legal & Risk Branch, Division of University Operations http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legalandrisk/ heldesklegal@adelaide.edu.au Tel: + 61 8 831 34539
What does this policy cover? Legal liability The policy covers the legal liability of the University, its staff and students, subsidiaries and related bodies for incidents arising from flying a RPA, taxiing and ground activity that accidentally cause bodily injury or property damage to other parties. The limit of legal liability cover is $10M. Loss of, or damage, to aircraft The policy also covers accidental loss of, or damage to, the RPA s hull and sensor equipment while the equipment is attached to the RPA and damaged as a result of an accident involving the RPA. The limit of accidental loss or hull and equipment damage cover is $14k. The cover does not apply to RPAs valued at less than $5k. There is an excess of $500 for each claim. This cover is subject to the following exclusions: Gradual wear, tear and deterioration; Scratching, fogging, or misting of lenses; Physical loss and/or damage to photographic film or similar recording medium; Electrical and/or mechanical breakdown and/or derangement; and Damage occurring while the equipment is being fitted to the aircraft.
Are all University pilots covered? All University activities are considered commercial by CASA. All commercial drone pilots require a license. All University staff and students who are pilots need to be trained to meet CASA licensing requirements. The licensing process assures CASA that pilots have the technical capabilities and awareness of the risks and responsibilities that go with using RPAs in shared airspace. Appropriate licensing is a condition for coverage under the University s insurance policy. The Legal & Risk Branch provides the Insurer with a list of pilots to be covered under the policy, which covers pilots who: are appropriately licensed, are noted in the URAF Operations Manual, and have been declared to the Insurer. If you intend to fly a RPA, please contact the University s Chief Remote Pilot, Adam Kilpatrick DroneCompliance@adelaide.edu.au
Are all University RPAs covered? The policy covers RPAs which have been declared to the Insurer. The Legal & Risk Branch provides the Insurer with a list of RPAs to be covered under the policy. The policy will cover RPAs that: are noted in the URAF Operations Manual, and have been declared to the Insurer. If you intend to purchase a RPA, please contact the Chief Remote Pilot, Adam Kilpatrick DroneCompliance@adelaide.edu.au What RPA activities are covered? The University provides insurance cover for approved activities. This includes the use of RPAs when operated in accordance with CASA requirements and University Policies. The insurance policy covers the use of RPAs in any Australian jurisdiction. In Australia, RPAs can only be operated: In visual line of sight (without binoculars or telescope) Below 400 feet above ground level In visual meteorological conditions During the day
What RPA activities are not covered? The insurance policy expressly excludes the following activities, unless otherwise agreed by the Insurer: Operations above 400 feet above ground level Operations above 50 feet within 3 nautical miles of a towered aerodrome Agricultural spraying Power line inspection Operations at sporting events and festivals Permission for some activities may be given where it can be demonstrated that public safety can be properly managed. If you intend to undertake excluded activities, please contact the Insurance Office at helpdesklegal@adelaide.edu.au so that permission can be obtained from the Insurer. For more information Refer Drones and the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, Part 101. For information about the University s RPA operations: Unmanned Research Aircraft Facility (URAF): http://www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/uraf/ University s Chief Remote Pilot: Adam Kilpatrick Email: DroneCompliance@adelaide.edu.au Regulatory compliance advice can be provided by Legal & Risk Branch Email: helpdesklegal@adelaide.edu.au Advice about insurance coverage for drones can be provided by Legal & Risk Branch Email: helpdesklegal@adelaide.edu.au