Welcome to the Franklin Public Schools information page regarding the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), commonly known as drones. To ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, all drone operations on school grounds must comply with Wisconsin state law and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.  

Understanding the Law & District Policy

Effective April 4, 2026, 2025 Wisconsin Act 189 prohibits any person from operating a drone over property owned by a school or on which a school is located during school hours or approved school events without express authorization.  Additionally, please review FPS District Policy #7440-03 for all details. Summarized below are the key points for those who want to request flying a drone on district property.

Please Note:

• The term "person" includes members of the public, media organizations, district staff, and students.
• Unauthorized operation may result in a forfeiture of up to $5,000 to state or local authorities.
• Law enforcement is required to seize and transfer any photographs, motion pictures, or data recorded during an unauthorized flight to the appropriate authorities.

Who Can Request Authorization?

Authorization may be granted to individuals who meet the following FAA and District eligibility criteria:

• Age: Operators must be at least 16 years of age.
• Certification: Operators must possess a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with all FAA registration requirements. 
• Proficiency: Operators must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
• Health: Operators must not have any physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of the aircraft.

Key Safety Rules for Flight

Authorized operators must follow strict safety protocols, including:

• Visual Line of Sight: The drone must be visible to the operator (or a designated visual observer) throughout the entire flight.
• Altitude and Speed: Flights cannot exceed an altitude of 400 feet or a speed of 100 mph.
• Flight Over People: Flying directly over human beings is generally prohibited unless the drone meets specific FAA Category 1-4 safety requirements.
• Prohibited Conditions: Operations are prohibited under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in a careless/reckless manner.
• Visibility: Minimum flight visibility must be at least 3 statute miles.

How to Request Authorization

If you wish to operate a drone on District property for educational, media, or other approved purposes, you must submit a formal request. By law, the District shall respond to your request within five (5) business days. 

IMPORTANT: Before submitting, please ensure you have your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and drone registration information ready to upload.  If you don't receive a response by the end of the 5th business day, please directly follow up by emailing communications@franklin.k12.wi.us

 

Click HERE to Submit Drone Authorization Form

 

If you’re looking for help on where to get started…

1. Become a remote certified pilot - follow and complete the steps on this page. Your certification card should be submitted as part of the request form to fly on FPS property.
2. Step 3 on this page details how to properly register your drone - your drone registration needs to be submitted as part of your request to fly on FPS property.