KDOT unites with strategic partners for UAS

KDOT Director of UAS,  Bob Brock, (center) and Director of Aviation, Merrill Atwater (right) meet with FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and other visitors at the Xponential 2017 conference in Dallas, Texas. 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Division of Aviation visits Dallas, Texas this week for the largest gathering of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry leaders in the world at the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s (AUVSI’s) Xponential 2017. Over 7000 industry professionals and 850 exhibitors unite to participate in a 3 day workshop and exhibition.

“This is great opportunity to showcase Kansas as a leader in UAS, continue the growth of this segment and foster strong relationships in UAS,” said KDOT Director of Aviation, Merrill Atwater.

“Xponential allows us to highlight the outstanding talent and expertise we have in Kansas. There’s an obvious reason we are called the ‘Air Capital of the World,’” he added.

Participants in the Xponential conference visit KDOT's Division of Aviation display. 

KDOT Director of UAS, Bob Brock stated, “Xponential is an ideal venue for established aviation leaders from Kansas to meet the UAS industry and continue our rich history in aviation.

Kansas is building on its established leadership in aviation, working in conjunction with in-state partners to promote the UAS industry, including:

·              Kansas Department of Agriculture

·              Kansas Department of Commerce

·              Kansas State University

·              Greater Wichita Partnership

·              Salina Community Economic Development Office

·              University of Kansas  

Kansas Aviation activity accounts for $20.6 billion in economic impact. Over 700 aerospace and aviation companies live and work together in the Sunflower State. Ninety-two percent (92%) of Kansas airports support flight training and over 60% have aviation outreach programs. Aviation activity supports over 91,000 high-paying jobs in the state.

More than 18 years of active UAS research – including one of the first UAS Bachelor’s degrees in the country – add to Kansas’s industry leadership. The state’s rich aviation history is built on a century of aircraft production. Over 73% of the world’s general aviation fleet is manufactured in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation demonstrated Kansas' important leadership role in the aviation industry at the Xponential conference in Dallas, Texas. Pictured in this photo: Halee Lindstrom, (far left) Bob Brock, Merrill Atwater, Lindsey Dreiling and Greg Chenoweth