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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ready
to take off: K-State UAS Program gets FAA airspace authorization
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KSU's newest certificate of authorization will allow
students in the unmanned aircraft systems program to gain experience
flying an Aerosonde Mk 4.7 in Class D airspace.
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Kansas State University
Salina's unmanned aircraft systems program office has landed key
authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration that will benefit
program offerings and students.
The office recently became one of
only a few civil entities granted a certificate of authorization within
Class D airspace from the Federal Aviation Administration. The
authorization allows the program, based at the Salina Municipal Airport, to
operate its unmanned aircraft, an Aerosonde Mk 4.7, in
the national airspace system.
"K-State's certificate of
authorization allows our students to practice handing control over to the
next ground station, practice simulated lost-link procedures, and
experience scenario-based mission deployments, all of which will prepare
them for possible search-and-rescue mission deployments in the
future," said Josh Brungardt, director of the unmanned aircraft
systems office. "This certification of authorization enhances the
unmanned aircraft training capabilities already available at K-State
Salina."
Brungardt estimates a minimum of 10
students will assist with each practice mission.
"Our unmanned aircraft systems
classes are filled to capacity this semester," said Kurt Barnhart,
aviation department head. "Students recognize that we provide a unique
training program and they are excited for the hands-on experience."
Even though unmanned test flights are
new for the Salina runway, the airport does not foresee any complications.
"The Salina airport hosts a
variety of manned aircraft, and unmanned procedures are no different,"
said Tim Rogers, A.A.E., executive director of the Salina Airport
Authority. "Runway 18-36 is ideally suited for K-State unmanned
aircraft systems operations and training missions."
The training flights will not close
any runways and a notice to airmen will be filed at least 48 hours in
advance of each flight.
"K-State is advancing the use of
unmanned aircraft and sensors for future commercial missions," said
Dennis Kuhlman, CEO and dean of K-State Salina. "Students in our
unmanned aircraft systems bachelor's degree program play an active role in
this research, preparing them for exciting career opportunities after
graduation."
K-State's unmanned aircraft systems
program office collaborates with military organizations and the private
sector to develop unmanned flight in the nation's airspace and training
pilots and operators of unmanned aircraft systems.
K-State also establishes criteria for
unmanned aircraft system flight operations, including activity at the Smoky
Hill Weapons Range and eventually at the Herington unmanned aircraft system
flight facility. The university's program office establishes policies and
procedures to enable both military and civilian organizations to fly and
test at the area facilities.
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