Polytechnic joins FAA's collegiate unmanned aircraft systems training initiative
Friday, Sept. 18, 2020
Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus' unmanned aircraft systems' flight and operations program has been selected for the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative. | Download this photo.
SALINA — The unmanned aircraft systems flight and operations program at Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus has been selected for the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative, also known as UAS-CTI.
"We value our FAA relationships," said Kurt Carraway, UAS department head at Kansas State Polytechnic Campus. "As soon as we became aware of the FAA's initiative to establish a UAS-CTI, we knew we wanted to be a part of the program."
The FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones. To qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor's or associate degree in UAS or a degree with a minor concentration or a certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning UAS.
"The UAS-CTI is a win-win for leaders in UAS education, the FAA and ultimately the industry we serve," Carraway said. "We look forward to this collaboration to help advance UAS training and education across the nation."
K-State Polytechnic has a reputation as a leader and innovator in the UAS industry, evidenced by a series of firsts with the FAA: the first university to offer beyond visual line of sight training to students; the first entity in the nation to receive statewide flying access; a member of the first FAA Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems; and the first entity in the country approved for commercial flight training.
To learn more about the UAS flight and operations program at K-State Polytechnic Campus, contact the admissions office at 785-826-2640 or polytechnic@k-state.edu.
