Forums on drone development in Kansas slated

Discussions about the development of drones – or unmanned aerial systems – are being offered across the state under the auspices of the state Department of Transportation.

According to a news release from the agency, the meetings will culminate with a UAS summit in Wichita Oct. 15.

The sessions leading up to the summit will focus on drone development in the areas of law enforcement, emergency management, small business and research. A session held earlier this month focused on agriculture.

Upcoming sessions will be on the following dates:

▪ April 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., emergency management/law enforcement, Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, 11009 S. Hornet, Hutchinson.

▪ June 5, from 1 to 3 p.m., research and survey, Kansas State University at Salina, 2310 Centennial, Salina.

▪ July 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., small business interests, National Center for Aviation Training, 4404 N. Webb, Wichita.

▪ August 25, from 1 to 3 p.m., all-sectors meeting and update on UAS policies and regulations, Kansas Department of Transportation, 700 S.W. Harrison, Topeka.

The Oct 15 summit will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at NCAT in Wichita.

The sessions are open to the public, but registration is required. To register for the Hutchinson event, go to https://KansasUASSummit.eventbrite.com

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 8:31 AM with the headline "Forums on drone development in Kansas slated."