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CU Boulder’s Division of Public Safety (DPS) provides integrated resources to keep campus safer—and all services play an important role, whether on the ground or in the air. 

Flight Operations personnel fly uncrewed aircraft systems, also known as UAS or drones, during large events on campus, including football games, concerts, commencement and move-in.

“We provide eyes in the sky for DPS departments including the CU Boulder Police Department and Events & Emergency Management,” said Chase Rupprecht, who is a certified flight instructor and director of flight operations designee.

DPS Director of Flight Operations Designee Chase Rupprecht launches a drone on campus during BOLDERBoulder in May.

Rupprecht’s interest in this line of work was sparked during his time as an undergraduate student in aerospace engineering at CU Boulder. “I have always been passionate about making things fly and keeping people safe. After learning about DPS, I realized I could do both,” he said. 

“Drones are powerful tools that help make the environment safer,” said Rupprecht, now earning his master’s degree. Drone pilots can quickly provide visual awareness of situations from traffic jams to medical and other emergencies, so that police and events officials can direct appropriate public safety resources to the scene.

Along with providing public safety services, Flight Operations also ensures compliance with university UAS policies and conducts drone operator training. The department is directed by Dan Hesselius, an airline transport pilot, certified flight instructor and former United States Air Force pilot with experience in flight testing. 

Hesselius and his department play a critical UAS support role in many important research projects conducted by CU Boulder scientists. “Teaching new UAS pilots the many ways drones can open up new possibilities in their studies, research and work here at CU Boulder is extremely rewarding,” he said. 

There are about 350 certified pilots on campus, operating some 175 drones. Approximately 30% are used in campus operations and to . The other 70% are used in scientific research. 

Not everyone can fly drones on campus. Training and certification is required. DPS offers ground school each semester and summer. If you wish to enroll in ground school or gain approval for on-campus flight, email dps_flightops@colorado.edu.