KDOT conducts first UAS flight without visual observers

Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz addresses the crowd about the importance of investing
in our future success with aviation.

It’s another first in the U.S. for the Kansas Department of Transportation as the Division of Aviation conducted its first unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights without visual observers and using only onboard detect-and-avoid systems.

Kansas has a proud tradition of recognizing the opportunities that can be achieved through the skies,” said. Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers. “Implementing new technology is never easy, but KDOT is up to the challenge.”

Aviation is a vital mode of transportation in Kansas that supports thousands of jobs, transports good across the state and improves safety through access to air ambulance service.

“The investments we make in aviation are not only important for our economy today, but they’re critical for future success,” Secretary Lorenz said. “I look forward to working with all of you to build transportation infrastructure that will propel our state to the next level.”

KDOT was selected in May 2018 by the U.S. DOT as one of only 10 organizations in the nation to lead the UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP), an initiative aimed at shaping the future of drones. In August 2018, KDOT flew the first beyond the line of sight UAS flight under the program.

Kansas leads the nation with UAS flight

The Kansas State University Polytechnic Applied Aviation Research program performs the first UAS
beyond line of sight flight. The modified "K-State Aero" was flown with FCC certified radios on board.

The first beyond the line of sight Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) flight in Kansas was flown on Monday north of the town of Gypsum in a joint effort by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and more than 30 university and corporate partners. This was also the second flight in the nation to take place under the U.S. DOT’s UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP).

The first flight was scheduled to take place yesterday, however, with rain and storms predicted, it was conducted on Monday. Weather did allow Tuesday’s flight to also take place at the news conference, and Kansas State University Polytechnic took the lead on both flights. More flights will continue this week with AirMap, Pulse Aerospace and Iris Automation.

UAS technicians use computers to assist with flying the UAS.

“We’re proud of what we’re doing in Kansas to create new jobs, improve flight safety and advance agriculture,” said Bob Brock, KDOT Director of Aviation and UAS. “Our flights mark the beginning of a new generation of Kansas innovation.” 

KDOT was selected in May as one of only 10 organizations in the nation to lead the UAS IPP, an initiative aimed at shaping the future of drones. The flights this week, and future flights, will test aircraft capability and reliability for continued beyond line of sight operations while collecting data to expand advanced UAS operations nationwide.

A UAS flies low to the ground during the event.

Over the next two years, various Kansas IPP team partners will conduct tests over transmission lines, farms, roads and other infrastructure well clear of Kansas citizens. This program will also assist the U.S. DOT and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in shaping new rules to expand safe UAS integration into the National Airspace System and create new opportunities for the state and UAS industry.

“Kansas has been a valuable aviation partner for decades and the launch of the IPP is another opportunity for us to work with all of the professionals here in Kansas as we take the next steps that will pave the way toward full integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace,” said Dennis King, FAA Program Manager for Kansas UAS IPP.

A Close up of one of the UAS that participated in the flights.

The Kansas IPP team’s partners will focus on integrating UAS operations into Kansas industries involved in infrastructure inspection and precision agriculture. Partnerships with the FAA and Kansas IPP team members will continue to foster expansion of UAS operations for the state and the nation. 

More information about the FAA UAS IPP can be found at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/uas_integration_pilot_program/

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! 

Floberg to lead new division at KDOT

Mike Floberg has been selected to lead the newly-created Division of Innovative Technologies for the Kansas Department of Transportation.

“In this position, I’m going to help lead the agency and the state into the future – working to bring in innovative technologies that relate to transportation as well as management and data,” Floberg said. “We’re also looking at ways to bring businesses and upstarts of new technology to expand the systems in Kansas.”

The technologies could include autonomous vehicles, roadside data collection, telecommunications and other coordination systems.

Floberg has worked at KDOT since 1988. He spent 11 years in bridge design and inspection, eight years in the Intelligent Transportation System unit and one year as the Topeka Metro Engineer. He has served as the Transportation Safety and Technology Bureau Chief since 2008.