KDOT Aviation Director chosen for national committee

KDOT's Director of Aviation Bob Brock
was recently named one of 12 people
appointed to the U.S. DOT's Drone Advisory
Committee.

Bob Brock, Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Director of Aviation, is one of 12 people appointed to the Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration's DAC will provide advice on key Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) integration issues by helping to identify challenges, prioritize improvements and create support for strategy and vision.

“Continuing to grow aviation in Kansas is a priority for KDOT, and we can’t be more pleased to have innovative people like Bob lead the way for transportation in this important industry,” said Julie Lorenz, Secretary of Transportation.

Brock was named the first Director of UAS in the nation in 2016. Since then, Kansas has been recognized nationally in the UAS industry on several occasions –

sThe first to have a statewide unmanned traffic management system;

sOne of five states to conduct advanced UAS research flights in the FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program;

sWinner of the 2019 Operations and Safety Xcellence Award from the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.

“Aviation inspires creativity. We are fortunate in Kansas to be surrounded by smart pioneers and entrepreneurs - willing to take risks that may very well change the world through aviation,” Brock said. 

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.

Aviation art winners soar

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation announces the Kansas winners of the 2018 International Aviation Art Contest.

Bravo Zulu was illustrated by Salome Dutoit, 17, of Andover High School. This painting won First Place in the Group III Division. 

The theme for this year's contest was, "Flight to the Future," which allowed schools and students around the state to explore the future of the aviation industry. Student artwork ranged from supersonic fighter jets to drones filling the skies. The contest was a great opportunity to spark interest in aviation, and also highlight Kansas student’s art prowess!

 

This illustration of a flying car was created by Ashlynn Gomez, 13, from  El Dorado Middle School: Her illustration won First Place in the Group II Division

Congratulations to our 2018 Aviation Art Contest Winners! First place winners from each group will take home a $500 scholarship towards aviation related activity courtesy of the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education!

Watching the Future Fly Away, was illustrated by Finley Maloney, 8, from Saint Patrick Catholic Church of Kingman KS:  This illustration won First place in the Group I Division 

Although none of the Kansas submissions were selected at the National competition, an amazing turnout of over 160 art submissions this year from all over the state were turned in.

Artwork will be available on www.flykansas.org to view soon! 

Brock named KDOT’s Director of Aviation

Robert Brock has been selected to assume the role of Interim Director of Aviation at the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Brock has been serving KDOT and the State of Kansas while spearheading national aviation efforts as the first state Director for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Chairman of the Kansas UAS Joint Task Force. Under Brock’s direction, the division introduced the first statewide Unmanned Traffic Management to integrate UAS into the National Airspace System.

Prior to joining KDOT, Brock served over 22 years in the Air Force and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. As a military officer, he led both manned and unmanned flight operations. Brock is also an instrument-rated commercial fixed-wing and helicopter instructor pilot.  

“We are so fortunate at KDOT to have such a talented and passionate person like Bob Brock to take over aviation,” said Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson. “After already serving the state and the agency in opening new doors for UAS, Brock is in the best possible position to make great strides for aviation in Kansas.”

Representing Kansas as a national aviation leader on the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drone Advisory Committee-Task Group Three, Brock will continue to work closely with the FAA and aviation stakeholders across the nation to support Kansas aviation. He will also oversee the Kansas Airport Improvement Program, Unmanned Systems Program, and Science, Technology, and Aviation Resource (STAR) program.

“I look forward to my continued service to KDOT and the State of Kansas,” said Brock. “We will continue to work with legislators, stakeholders, and communities to increase aviation safety and promote the growth of the aviation industry in Kansas.”

Aviation Art Contest now accepting entries

The KDOT Division of Aviation officials are encouraging young artists take their talents to new heights by participating in the 2018 International Aviation Art Contest, "Flight Into the Future.”

The contest, for which there is no entry fee, is for artists ages 6 to 17 years of age and is intended to encourage creative kids to imagine what the future of aviation will be.

What new innovations and ideas will shape the aviation of the future? From hang gliders and parachutists, to drone pilots and citizen astronauts, the only limit to the future of flight is the imagination of builders, dreamers and pilots of today. It’s time to tap into your own imagination, grab your favorite set of crayons, markers, pencils, or paints and create a poster for this year’s Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s theme, Flight into the Future. Show us your vision of what can happen when people work together and follow their passion for flight

Artists will compete in age groups:

• Those born between Jan. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2011
• Jan. 1, 2004, and Dec. 31, 2007
•  And Jan. 1, 2000, and Dec. 31, 2003

The top three state winners from each age group will have their work entered in the national competition. The three winners in each group at the national level will then have their entries considered in international competition.
State winners will receive a certificate and state recognition; national winners will receive certificates, ribbons and a framed reproduction of their artwork; and international winners will receive certificates and medals.

The deadline for entries, which cannot be computer-generated and must be submitted in 11¾-by-16½-inch format, is Jan. 19, 2018.

For more information and contest rules, go here.

KDOT’s Merrill Atwater Receives FAA Impact Award

Merrill Atwater received the 2017 Impact Award from the Federal Aviation Administration yesterday. Governor Sam Brownback presented the award.

Merrill Eisenhower Atwater, the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division Director, was presented with the 2017 Federal Aviation Administration Impact Award yesterday during a ceremony at the Kansas Statehouse.

The award recognizes the leadership and ingenuity that the recipient has shown in the promotion and support of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Atwater was selected by the FAA’s Regional Administrator Joseph N. Miniace.

“Merrill’s commitment to developing aviation in Kansas is as deep as his roots,” said Governor Sam Brownback. “There is no greater champion of aviation and innovation in the state, which is why it is suitable that this award is presented to Merrill Atwater.”

“Merrill Atwater is an incredible advocate for aviation in Kansas,” said Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson. “From education to economic development, Merrill has the ability to see the vision of an aviation project or development and how it can impact the people around it. He is very deserving of this honor.”

Atwater has served as the Director of Aviation for KDOT since February 2016. In this role Atwater works with the FAA, collaborates with aviation stakeholders across the state and oversees KDOT aviation programs.

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

Kansas couple accomplishes aerial feat

There are 137 public-use airports in Kansas and Kent and Cindy Stone decided to visit all of them.

On Friday, March 10, as their plane landed at the Philip Billard Municipal Airport in Topeka, they accomplished their goal with a total of 12 days of flying under their wings.   

Cindy and Kent Stone were honored with a certificate of merit from Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation for visiting all 137 public-use airports. 

The couple began their flight in December and according to their Facebook page, they had visited all 52 airports in Western Kansas in just four days.

“Boredom got us going,” Kent said. He and his wife kept flying their renovated Beechcraft E33 Bonanza to the rest of the public-use airports in Kansas.

Although the couple took a break for a few weeks, they started up again early last month. Their arrival in Topeka ended their saga and earned them a certificate of merit from the KDOT Division of Aviation and the compliments of Aviation Director Merrill Atwater. 

“Kent and Cindy show how passion fuels aviation,” Atwater said. “They exemplify for anyone that aviation has something for everyone.”

Kent Stone (middle) shows off his well-earned certificate with representatives of  KDOT Division of Aviation: Dennis O'Connor (right) and Lindsey Dreiling. (left) 

After visiting 137 airports, the Stones said they still found something new each time they landed.

“Every airport has a story to tell or an experience to be enjoyed,” Kent said.

                                     
Their endeavor may have had a turbulent start over thirty years ago when the couple bought their Beechcraft E33 Bonanza.

“There was a long interval of engine troubles after buying the plane in 1986,” Kent said. “It kept cutting in and out after (doing) virtually everything to fix it. I had three choices: Hanger it, sell it, or start over and restore it.” 

It would appear that they made the correct choice.

This image from Kent and Cindy's Facebook page shows all 137 airports they visited. 

For more information on their journey check out their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/flykansas138/

Interest in aircraft, UAS soar at Aviation Day at the Capitol

The aviation industry is incredibly important to the state of Kansas. On Thursday, that fact was celebrated at the Aviation Day at the Capitol. The event welcomed both the public and legislatures to tour and learn from 30 aviation businesses and organizations.

"Aviation, as you all know, has a huge impact in our state," Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson said. "Kansas is home to one of the five world-largest clusters of aviation. More than 48,000 jobs are created directly by our businesses, our tenants and other activities located at commercial services and general aviation airports in the state of Kansas."

The Kansas Air National Guard was just one of the 30 organizations that were represented at Aviation Day at the Capitol. 

Ed Young, Vice President of the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE), said that this event drives all levels of aviation together so they can meet with legislatures about how important aviation is to Kansas.

Joe N. Miniace, the Central Region Regional Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration, said that 76 percent of the world's fleet of aircraft have been manufactured in Kansas.

One of the biggest presences at this year's Aviation Day at the Capitol was Unmanned Aerial Systems. Dean of Research at Kansas State University, Kurt Barnhart, said that the one of the major reasons for the use of UAS devices was to help people.

Kansas State University's Booth at the Aviation Day at the Capitol event. 

“We are doing the things we have always done, with less risk and a fraction of the cost,” Barnhart said. "We are excited. It's a revolution." 

The University of Kansas Department of Aerospace Engineering partnered with NASA to display a 65 pound UAS system, dubbed the Argus, that will be testing flight in the next month. 

University of Kansas' 65 pound UAS, Argus, on display at the Aviation Day at the Capitol event. 

The Argus is an airborne radar sensor built for collision avoidance. With over 2.5 hours of flight time, this device could replace older models that fly over glaciers in West Greenland to determine the thickness of the ice. The older models could only fly for 1 hour. 

Businesses like Westar Energy, explained that at times they use UAS devices when they inspect potential damage to various infrastructures because it could be safer than sending out a technician in dangerous situations.

Check out a video of some of the speakers at the event below:

Art contest highlighting aviation takes flight

The KDOT Division of Aviation officials are encouraging young artists take their talents to new heights by participating in the 2017 International Aviation Art Contest, “Beyond the Clouds.”

The contest, for which there is no entry fee, is for artists ages 6 to 17 years of age and is intended to “celebrate the adventures and excitement only available in that special place beyond the clouds.” It is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation, the National Association of State Aviation Officials, the Federal Aviation Administration and others.

Artists will compete in age groups:

• Those born between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2010
• Jan. 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2006
•  And Jan. 1, 1999, and Dec. 31, 2002

The top three state winners from each age group will have their work entered in the national competition. The three winners in each group at the national level will then have their entries considered in international competition.
State winners will receive a certificate and state recognition; national winners will receive certificates, ribbons and a framed reproduction of their artwork; and international winners will receive certificates and medals.

The deadline for entries, which cannot be computer-generated and must be submitted in 11¾-by-16½-inch format, is Jan. 20, 2017.

For more information and contest rules, visit  http://www.nasao.org/education/nasao-center-for-aviation-research-and-education/international-aviation-art-contest/

2016 Fly Kansas Tour a soaring success

George Laliberte, preps his Ercoupe plane as the sun rises on Day 1 of the 2016 Fly Kansas Air Tour. 

Nearly 40 airplanes took to the skies  to celebrate The 2016 Fly Kansas Air Tour Sept. 29 - Oct. . In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of the aviation industry in Kansas, nine Kansas Airports welcomed the traveling pilots and their planes.  Around 1500 students and the public got the chance to see a variety of planes up close and meet with the pilots who flew their airplanes across Kansas skies.

A parachuter soars with the American Flag trailing behind during the opening Ceremony of the 2016 Fly Kansas Air Tour.

The tour began just after sunrise on Sept. 29, in Wellington. Participants were given the opportunity to watch arriving aircraft. A T-6 Texan, a medical helicopter, a fly-over from a military aircraft and a parachuter  were all highlights to the opening ceremony.  

Pilot Lindsey Dreiling, explains how this Cessna 172 SkyHawk works to a group of students at the Rooks County airport. 

During the tour, the public and students learned about the influence that aviation has on the Kansas economy. At the Rooks County stop, air medics explained the importance of The Kansas Airport Improvement program, which was created to improve and maintain smaller airports while increasing air travel and access to an air ambulance within 30 miles.

An Aeronca Champion 7CCM sits on the ramp during a break in the tour as pilots refuel and gear up for the next stop. 

During the Topeka stop, Governor Sam Brownback and Interim Secretary Richard Carlson addressed a crowd of girl scouts and the public  during a stop celebrating Girls in Aviation at the Combat Air Museum in Topeka. Brownback encouraged the girl scouts to work hard and follow their dreams.

The Fly Kansas Air Tour first took flight in 1928 and again in 1929, but it was another 79 years before the tour returned in 2008. Another short hiatus later, Kansas skies once again welcomed the tour in 2014.  The Tour included stops in Wellington, Great Bend, Rooks County, Dodge City, Scott City, Colby, Salina, Topeka and ended in Newton. 

Check out this video highlighting some of the stops and activities during the Fly Kansas Air Tour!