A 22-year U.S.
Air Force veteran has been selected to be Kansas’ first Director of Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Bob Brock, a
Pittsburg native who retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel, will
oversee the establishment of policy and procedures for the operation of UAS, or
drones, in Kansas. During his Air Force career, Brock gained experience in UAS
operations and training. He also served as a flight safety officer and
instructor pilot.
“Bob has
extraordinary experience with UAS and will play a pivotal role in helping
develop our program in Kansas,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Mike King.
“Under his guidance, the state will become a national leader in the industry.”
Brock said that among his priorities will be
protecting the privacy and public safety of Kansans as drones become part of
our world.
“Our
team will work very closely with the FAA, universities and aviation leaders to
deliver systems that make Kansas safer, provide economic growth and also save
time and money,” said Brock.
Brock will
maintain offices at Kansas Department of Transportation headquarters in Topeka
and at the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus in Salina, which has a
nationally ranked UAS program.
"Kansas State Polytechnic is very excited
about the state's new UAS director having an office on our campus," said
Kurt Barnhart, associate dean of research and executive director of the Applied
Aviation Research Center on the Polytechnic Campus. "This allows both KDOT
and K-State to work together more easily to help advance the industry statewide
and bring lasting economic benefit to Kansas."
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