Image courtesy K-State Salina

Kansas State University Salina’s Applied Aviation Research Center (AARC) is training the next generation of drone pilots to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. The center provides hands-on education in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to help students and professionals safely operate drones in a growing industry.

The FAA is planning new rules that will allow drones to fly beyond the operator’s line of sight, a step that could expand drone use in agriculture, engineering, public safety, and other fields. Currently, operators need a special waiver to fly beyond visual range.

To help people understand the changes, the AARC is hosting a free webinar on Sept. 4. The session will cover detect-and-avoid systems, operational standards, certification, training, and how drones will fit into national airspace. Registration is open through Sept. 2.

K-State Salina has been a leader in drone research and education, becoming the first university to receive a beyond-visual-line-of-sight waiver in 2018. Through degree programs, professional training, and research in areas like disaster response, the AARC is helping advance drone technology and preparing pilots to safely use drones for a wide range of industries, locally and worldwide.