Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus is hosting its first Public Safety UAS Workshop on Nov. 4 at Crisis City, a training facility for all emergency response and support agencies eight miles southwest of Salina. Crisis City offers training venues such as rail, pipeline, aircraft, collapsed structures and other emergency scenarios.
The workshop will provide education from UAS industry experts with sessions designed especially for law enforcement, fire and emergency management agencies that currently utilize UAS technology or are looking to start UAS operations.
“The goal of this program is to put technology in the hands of those who will be operating it, giving our public safety partners an opportunity to discover what type of system and equipment is best for their needs,” said Spencer Schrader, program developer and UAS assistant flight operations manager at K-State Salina. “Anyone from a veteran operator to those who are brand new to UAS can benefit from this program.”
During the sessions, participants will hear from veteran public safety UAS operators on their use cases, including what has worked and what they would do differently next time; get an update on the FAA’s Part 107 regulations and discussion of the agency’s Special Government Interest benefits; and learn about the latest aircraft and payload technology, including what aircraft is best for specific scenarios, camera differences and when to use specific settings. UAS manufacturers and technology vendors will be on-site to showcase their aircraft, equipment and answer questions.
The cost is $20 to attend and participants can earn six hours of continuing education credit. To register, visit salina.k-state.edu/psworkshop.
“This public safety workshop serves as a catalyst to bring technology manufacturers and distributors together with public safety organizations and city and county governments, making connections to support UAS and economic growth in the region,” said Kirsten Zoller, director of K-State Salina professional education and outreach. “As we continue to advance as a global leader in aerospace by providing innovation and talent development, partnerships like this between industry and government partners is critical.”
