Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Flight and Operations
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Flight and Operations Bachelor's Degree
Pushing done technology further - one expert UAS pilot at a time.
Students don’t just learn about drones, they become leaders in advanced aviation at K-State Salina. From your very first semester, you’ll be in the field logging real flight hours on real UAS, progressing through multirotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL aircraft. You’ll progress from foundational skills to complex missions, taking on roles such as Remote Pilot in Command, Air Vehicle Operators, and Instructor Pilot.
By junior and senior year, you’ll fly large, long-endurance aircraft like the Cobalt 110G, conduct complex BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, and even instruct entry-level students, gaining real teaching and leadership experience.
Why our program?
Our program is built on one of the most advanced UAS infrastructures in the nation, including advanced airspace access, dedicated BVLOS operations areas, and partnerships with the FAA, FEMA, and many other state and private entities. Students gain hands-on experience at locations such as Crisis City Training Center often participate in live exercises, support research efforts, and fly for real-world missions that are not available at most universities.
Program Details
This bachelor's degree option of study prepares students for careers in the field of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) or remotely piloted aircraft. This is a rapidly growing area of aviation and students will be prepared to safely deploy UAS vehicles in response to emerging challenges and opportunities. Coursework includes foundational courses in aviation flight and maintenance necessary for UAS operation and specific courses designed to enable commercially available payload to platform integration and to enable students to think critically in a rapidly developing technical field. Students will be prepared for technical and/or entry-level managerial positions and will be required to successfully defend a portfolio of accumulated learning prior to graduation.
Choose your path!
No matter which track you choose, you will graduate with substantial flight time, operational experience, and technical expertise, ready to step directly into one of the fastest-growing sectors of aviation. Both the Composites and Data Analytics track options do not require a medical certificate or manned flight hours.
Explore the integration and operation of next-generation drone technologies and air transportation systems. Focusing on communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) fundamentals necessary for the aerospace sector, students will contribute to the evolving field of air mobility, enhancing urban transportation and logistics while conducting research for the safe and smooth implementation of advanced air mobility.
Learn about the capabilities, properties and applications of composites, such as carbon fiber and fiberglass, to enhance the performance, durability and efficiency of uncrewed aircraft. Glean insight on manufacturing processes, repair techniques and structural analysis of composite components, preparing graduates to build and maintain high-performance UAS with improved strength and reduced weight. No medical or manned flight hours required!
Combine the technical aspects of drone operations with skills in analyzing the data they collect. Students in this track will learn data collection methods, data processing techniques and advanced analytics to extract actionable insights. Graduates will be prepared to utilize drone technology while leveraging data analytics to enhance decision-making, operations and efficiency. No medical or manned flight hours required!
My K-State Story
"The program really emphasizes the value of the student experience. The diverse UAS fleet provides the opportunity to gain experience and increase capabilities as a pilot. Students also have the opportunity to be an instructor in the program, gaining more experience to immediately make an impact in the industry." -Noah Endreshak, student
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