UAS at K-State Aerospace and Technology Campus

Nationally recognized UAS experts

The UAS program on the Aerospace and Technology Campus is a national leader in the uncrewed aircraft field and provides many opportunities to engage with students and industry. Offering services in industry training, special project and program consultation services, research partnerships, alongside our nationally ranked bachelor’s degrees, K-State is your answer for UAS education and partnership opportunities.

Applied Aviation Research Center

The Applied Aviation Research Center (AARC) is engaged in facilitating the commercialization of UAS. This vision led the AARC to be at the forefront of UAS research that influences and enhances UAS regulations and increases capabilities, founded on manned aviation’s culture of safety. The AARC staff is comprised of subject-matter experts, connecting with industry to provide training, consulting, collaboration and research. Centrally located in Kansas, we enjoy a permissive environment for access to the National Airspace System (NAS). We conduct operations as a public entity as well as under Section 333 exemption certificates of authorization and the FAA’s newest guidelines for commercial operations, 14CFR Part 107.

History of K-State Salina UAS Program

2007
The origin of Kansas State University Salina’s UAS program was influenced by the devastating effects of the EF5 tornado in Greensburg, Kansas in 2007 and the need to support first responders and emergency managers with relevant technology that locates survivors and evaluates damage.

2008
The UAS program is formed at Kansas State University.

2009
The UAS program is tasked with UAS Disaster Response for Kansas.

The first UAS credential, an undergraduate certificate, is offered.

2011
The unmanned aircraft systems option in the Aviation Technology bachelor’s degree is launched.

2015
The Applied Aviation Research Center receives state-wide COA for KS/receives first-ever Section 333 Training Exemption.

Two new academic credentials, the unmanned aircraft systems option in the Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree and a UAS minor, are launched.
Kansas State University becomes Part of FAA UAS Center of Excellence for UAS Research (ASSURE).

2016
Professional multirotor flight training courses begin.

One week after 14 CFR Part 107 regulations are launched by the FAA, the sUAS Commercial Remote Pilot Training is launched.

Applied Aviation Research Center participates in the FAA Pathfinder Program.

2017
The first of community outreach webinars is offered focusing on comparing commercial and hobbyist UAS operations. Over 140 enthusiasts from 33 states and 5 countries participate.

Applied Aviation Research Center partners with University of Alaska-Fairbanks and joins FAA Test Site Program.

2018
UAS Law Enforcement training is launched, the first of public safety focused course offerings.

Kansas State University becomes the first university to receive Part 107 Waiver for Beyond Line of Sight operations.

FAA announces Kansas Department of Transportation as selectee for UAS Integration Pilot Program. Kansas State University is a partner in the KDOT IPP program.

2019
Kansas State University Salina co-hosts the annual UAS Tech Forum in Salina, Kansas.

The KDOT IPP Partnership receives Part 107 Waiver for Transmission Line Inspection with no Visual Observer.

2020
Applied Aviation Research Center receives nationwide Beyond Line of Sight waiver.

UAS Fire and HAZMAT Response Training is launched, continuing the initiative to serve public safety professionals with UAS education.

The UAS Flight and Operations degree program is selected for the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative, also known as UAS-CTI.

Facility information

Kansas State Aerospace and Technology Campus is located in Salina, Kansas. The location provides great UAS flight instruction and training do to ample airspace. The UAS Pavilion, housed on the campus, is a unique facility to accommodate flight near classrooms. The UAS Pavilion is one of the largest enclosed uncrewed flight facilities in the nation. Measuring 300-feet-long by 200-feet-wide and 50-feet-tall, the structure provides flight training within steps of the UAS lab. Built with support by our strategic partner, Westar Energy, the facility features custom fabricated netting panels on all sides and across the top. With the structure being contained but not completely closed off to outdoor elements, the facility does not block GPS signals on uncrewed aircraft and allows flight missions to be conducted in various weather conditions.

K-State Salina is co-located on the Salina airport, featuring a runway that’s over 12,000 feet long in Class D airspace. The program also routinely operates on a grass runway at the nearby Crisis City Training Center. For Department of Defense and other governmental projects, the program also has access to restricted airspace at the Smoky Hill Weapons Range.

UAS Fleet and Payloads

K-State Salina has a diverse fleet of more than 40 aircraft. The fleet consists of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft (both single rotor and multi-rotors). Fixed wing aircraft offer higher payload, higher speed, and longer flight endurance. Rotary wing offers the ability for an aircraft to hover and land/takeoff in a confined area. Visit UAS Fleet and Payload to view a list of aircraft and specific capabilities.

Contact us

To join our contact list for updates or to inquire about education and partnership opportunities, please contact us.