Annual Aviation Day highlights innovation in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Division of Aviation, in partnership with the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE), will host the fifth annual Aviation Day in the State Capitol rotunda from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 7.

Numerous legislators, manufacturers, suppliers and aviation organizations are participating in this event that helps facilitate industry growth opportunities. The aviation industry  supports nearly 91,300 jobs, generates more than $4.4 billion in annual payroll, and produces nearly $20.6 billion in annual economic output for the state of Kansas according to the 2017 Kansas Aviation Economic Impact Study.

As part of the event, city officials and those interested in boosting aviation economic development in their region are invited to a workshop starting at 1 p.m. in room 4N on the Capitol’s ground floor near the Visitor’s Center. This workshop will prepare community stakeholders to explore how best to harness state and local resources for future efforts. A panel of aviation experts will also be on hand to answer questions.

“Aviation Day highlights the culture of innovation in Kansas,” said Bob Brock, Director of Aviation. “We appreciate partners from industry, university and non-profit organizations working together to promote a message of growth and hope for Kansas.” 

Industry leaders scheduled to attend include: 190th Air Refueling Wing, Ainstein, Air Force, AirMap, Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, American Bonanza Society, AOPA, Bombardier, Burns and McDonnell, Butler CCC, CAP, Combat Air Museum,  Cosmosphere, DCN, EAA, Explorer Post 8, Flight Safety, Garmin, Garver USA, GBA, Harris Corporation, Heartland Airplanes LLC, HOA Wing of Commemorative AF, International Aviation, Jacobs Instruments and Sales Inc., Kansas Association of Airports, Kansas Aviation Museum, Kansas Historical Society, Kansas Soaring Association, Kiewit, KS Ag Aviation Association, K-State Polytechnic, Lee Aerospace, Life Save Transport, Mission Aviation Fellowship, National Weather Service, NBAA, Pilots For Christ, RANS, Textron, Spirit, University of Kansas, Westar Energy, Wichita Airport Authority, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport and WSU/NIAR.