KDOT Aviation

Congratulations to Kansas youth Jihyeon (Elly) Han for earning first place in the International Young Artist Contest. Elly earned first place for Kansas, went on to represent Kansas nationally, and ultimately internationally in the NASAO/National Aeronautic Association (NAA). While placing internationally is absolutely amazing, what makes Elly stand out is that she also earned first place last year in the intermediate category. Way to go Elly!

KDOT Aviation's Brian Kassin teamed up with Kansas State University Salina UAV Program, led by Mr. Kurt Carraway to assist the City of Bonner Springs, Kansas - Government Police Department with the Kelce Jam this last weekend. What a great way to showcase the public safety ability of emerging UAV technology!

KCTV video below in addition to event pics. Photo credit Brian Kassin.

https://www.kctv5.com/2024/05/19/kelce-jam-2024-bonner-springs-k-state-kdot-team-up-enhance-security/

2024 Kansas Aviation Tour Feedback-

The Kansas Aviation Tour is an outreach event. The primary objective is youth/community engagement with secondary objective being to help the airports with youth/community engagement.

Having longer stops creates additional opportunities to reach youth within those communities. This format also reduces the risk of having weather cancel the entire event. Not everyone enjoys (or is equipped for ) flying through weather.

With that said, we are fully supportive of growing aviation and would love to have other outreach. Why not have another "tour" like event such as a poker run, scavenger hunt, etc.?

*Kansas Aviation Tour 2024 Announcement*

Every Friday in September will be a Fly-Day!

This year's Kansas Aviation Tour will feature fewer, longer stops. Aviation-industry professionals will stop at two airports (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) each Friday in September, showcasing their chosen aviation career with event attendees and showing numerous aviation static displays. While this free, fun event aims to introduce K-12 youth to the amazing world of aviation, it is also open to the public.

Kansas Aviation Tour 2024 Stops:

9/6 08:00-11:30 - PTS, Atkinson Muni Airport, Pittsburg, KS
9/6 12:30-4:00- EMP, Emporia Muni Airport, Emporia Kansas
9/13 08:00-11:30 - EGT, Wellington Muni, Wellington, KS
9/13 12:30-4:00- HUT, Hutchinson Regional, Hutchinson, KS
9/20 08:00-11:30- MPR, McPherson Airport, McPherson, KS
9/20 12:30-4:00- 9K7, Ellsworth Muni, Ellsworth, KS
9/27 08:00-11:30- RCP, Rooks County Regional, Stockton, KS
9/27 12:30-4:00- PHG, Phillipsburg Muni, Phillipsburg, KS

Please help us spread the word! We would like every school within 1 hour drive of these airports to bus students to the airport during this event. Any aviation industry professional that would like to participate can reach out to KDOT Aviation.

NASAO Scholarship- June 7 deadline!

📢 CALLING ALL 📢

Are you an incoming junior or senior student pursuing a career in aviation? Apply for the NASAO Center for Aviation Research & Education's Henry O. ! Applicants are only required to submit:

✈️ School Transcript (unofficial is accepted)
✈️ Scholarship Application
✈️ Letter of Recommendation
✈️ 300-500 Word Personal Statement

Learn more & apply by June 7 👉 https://nasao.org/page/henry-ogrodzinski-scholarship

Help the NASAO Center spread the word & share this post 📲

Statewide aviation stakeholders are currently forming a collaborative working group aimed at harmonizing efforts to attract Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) manufacturers and supply chains to the state, promoting Kansas' interests to these industries, as well as creating an environment for these industries to thrive.

Participants include academic institutions, Dept. of Commerce, KDOT Aviation, an airport, an Economic Development Organization, and other industry stakeholders.

Questions or interest in participation may be directed to KDOT Aviation.

Our friends at the Commemorative Air Force Heart of America Wing at New Century AirCenter in Olathe are holding a dinner and dance on June 22 and we're helping to spread the word about this great event! This is an updated version of the original announcement.

The Combat Air Museum will hold our Young Aviators classes on June 17-21 and July 15-19 for youngsters between the ages of 9 and 13. Call the Museum at 785.862.3303 between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information or to register your Young Aviator!

Join our team! Now Hiring for a full-time Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) and Operations Specialist.

Governor Laura Kelly proclaims May 11th as Celebration of General Aviation Day.

On May 11, 2024, AOPA: your freedom to fly will conduct a General Aviation Celebration Flyover of the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Kansas joined forces with other states to issue proclamations highlighting the importance of General Aviation.

Thank you Governor Laura Kelly!

May 6th from 2pm - 2:30 pm, Economic Lifelines virtual meeting:

KDOT Aviation Chief of Strategic Plans and Programs Brian Kassin will discuss how milestones in Kansas Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) advanced operations have unlocked economic potential and societal benefits for the state and how emerging technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) will usher in even more opportunities for Kansas communities.

Lauren Bates, Senior Policy Advisor for U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) Lauren will speak on the current federal environment and its subsequent impact on the transportation sector. She will give an update on FAA Reauthorization and discuss federal funding opportunities through a multitude of discretionary grant programs.

https://www.economiclifelines.com/event-5703207

Photo credit: Economic Lifelines

📢 CALLING ALL 📢

Are you an incoming junior or senior in college (or a student going into their second year of study for a two-year degree) who is pursuing a career in aviation? Apply for the NASAO Center for Aviation Research & Education's Henry O. ! Applicants are only required to submit:

✈️ School Transcript (unofficial is accepted)
✈️ Scholarship Application
✈️ Letter of Recommendation
✈️ 300-500 Word Personal Statement

Learn more & apply by June 7 👉 https://nasao.org/page/henry-ogrodzinski-scholarship

Help the NASAO Center spread the word & share this post 📲

Aviation Scholarship Alert:

NASAO and Center for Aviation Education and Research's Henry O.” Scholarship awards $1,000 to three college students continuing their education in the aviation or aerospace industry.

Applicant must be an incoming junior or senior college student and maintain a minimum major GPA of 3.0.

In order to be considered for the scholarship, applicant(s) must submit the following by June 7, 2024:

Henry Ogrodzinski Scholarship The National Association of State Aviation Officials’ (NASAO) “Henry O.” Scholarship program awards $1,000 to three college students continuing their education in the aviation or aerospace industry. Applicant must be an incoming junior or senior college student and maintain a minimum major GPA...

Calling all future Air Traffic Controllers (ATC), the FAA is hosting several information sessions for anyone interested in applying for an ATC career. To sign up or learn more, follow the link below.

Basic qualifications such as:
- Under the age of 31 by the time they are appointed by the FAA
- US Citizen
- Fluent in English
- 3 years of full time work and/or education

Be ATC - FAA Hiring Air Traffic Controllers | Federal Aviation Administration The next application window will be open April 19-22, 2024. Read the information below to learn more about the application process and how to prepare.

Today, we welcomed state Youth Aviation Art Contest winners and their families for a ceremony at the Capitol. Students had an amazing opportunity to meet Governor Laura Kelly. Students also met internationally renowned prolific aviation photographer and Kansas treasure Paul Bowen.

This art contest was part of the National NASAO Youth Aviation Art contest. Winners from each state went on to compete in the national contest. One of our Kansas winners Jihyeon (Elly) Han placed 2nd in the national contest!

All of the winners received art supplies generously donated by the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE).

All of the winners received a certificate for a free flight courtesy of Flint Hills EAA Chapter 1364.

First place in each category also received an autographed Air To Air book from Paul Bowen.

More photos to come. Photo credit KDOT Larry Katsbulas.

Calling all airports-

KDOT Aviation is currently accepting applications for airports interested in hosting a stop on the Kansas Aviation Tour 2024.

This year's tour will be slightly different from previous years. We will have fewer, but longer stops. We will also help airports with community engagement and marketing. While tour dates are still pending, we are targeting an end of September, beginning of October timeframe.

Airports interested in hosting a stop on the Kansas Aviation Tour 2024 can apply online. Once we have sufficient tour applications, we will select locations and dates. At that time, we will also open the application process for the aviation industry professionals that would like to participate at those specific locations.

KDOT Aviation | Kansas Aviation Tour 2024 Kansas Aviation Tour 2024

KDOT Aviation's Brian Kassin and KSU Spencer Schrader conducted a Safety Standdown for KDOT UAS Pilots at the KSU Salina campus last Friday.

🛩️✨ Ready for Liftoff! ✨🛩️
Check out this snapshot from our recent visit to the Aviation Innovation and Maintenance Center of Excellence! 🚀 These high school students from Ell-Saline are on the path to their dreams and you could be too! 🌟✈️
🔍 Are you ready to take your passion for aviation to new heights? ✈️ Don't miss out on the chance to join one of our TWO exciting summer cohorts! 🌞
🚀 Summer Cohort 1: May 20 Launch Date 🚀
Get a head start on your aviation journey and dive into an immersive learning experience! 🛫 Seats are limited, so secure your spot now and be one step closer to making your aviation dreams a reality!
🌟 Summer Cohort 2: July 8 Takeoff Date 🌟
Don't worry if you missed the first flight! 🛩️ Our second cohort is your chance to join the adventure and explore the thrilling world of aviation. From cockpit to classroom, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey!
👉 Ready to soar with us? ✈️ Don't let this opportunity fly by! Secure your seat in one of our summer cohorts TODAY! 🌟
📞 For more information and to reserve your spot, contact us at www.aimcenter.aero Let's make this summer one to remember! 🚀🌟

Udall Schools teacher Tina Almanza took a class of 8th graders to Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport for a tour. Students were introduced to aviation careers by retired airline pilot (and train engineer) Charles Dugnolle. Students were able to learn about air traffic control from the FAA. The class also visited the firehouse and met with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) trained firefighters at the airport. What an amazing opportunity. Great job Ms. Almanza! Thank you Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, FAA, and Charles Dugnolle for making this amazing opportunity happen. Photo credit: Tina Almanza.

📢 CALLING ALL 📚

Join NASAO and NASA's STEM Integration Lead, April Lanotte, on April 3 for "NASA Aeronautics Resources for your Classroom & Beyond."

This FREE will cover the hands-on lessons and activities NASA Aeronautics' has to offer as well as other ways students, educators, afterschool programs, and organizations can learn about aeronautics, no experience required.

Learn more & register 👉 https://nasao.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1844772&group=

Do you know a who should attend this? Tag them in the comments!

Yesterday, the Division of Aviation was invited to speak at an Abilene Aviation Association meeting, located at the Abilene Municipal Airport. We presented information about the Kansas Airport Improvement Program including key objectives, limitations, and best practices. We also discussed community outreach and engagement and establishing an Aviation Education and Outreach Initiative. Special thanks to Sidney Hammond, President of the Association for the invite, in addition to Leann, Jim P, Jim C for the warm invite. Several airport board and City Council members attended. It was a pleasure to meet Mayor Brandon Rein and KS Representative Scott Hill. What a great airport and community!

Yesterday, we were were invited to speak at the Abilene Aviation Association meeting at the Abilene Municipal Airport, Visit Abilene Kansas. While rolling through town, I always love exploring the local scene. Abilene is a beautiful, scenic small town with stunning historic architecture everywhere you can see. I also had an opportunity to visit M&R GRILL and was absolutely impressed. I ordered what the locals were ordering and was not disappointed. This Chicken Fried Steak was so tasty and was reasonably priced.

Did I mention that the Abilene Municipal Airport has a courtesy car? If you haven't flown into Abilene yet, you should add it on your list.

The Combat Air Museum will offer its popular Young Aviators classes in June and July for youngsters between 9 and 13 years of age. Classes run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the cost is $75 per child. Call the Museum Monday through Friday before noon for more information!

**Notice of Proposed Closure of a NPIAS Runway 18/36 at Smith Center Municipal Airport**

One of KDOT Aviation's KAIP Program Objectives is to improve air ambulance access across the state. After engaging with a state air ambulance association, we learned of their needs directly. They also outlined certain target airports that they would like to go into but are unable due to deficiencies (such as weather reporting).

Here is a list of what they need or like:

1. Runway minimum 3500x60 (need) (would like 4500 x 60 if possible due to varying requirements by different air ambulance operators throughout the state).
2. AWOS (need)
3. Either full length parallel taxiway or a turnaround on each end of the runway (like)
4. Runway lights/gps approach if possible (need/like)
5. Sufficient ramp space (like)
6. Facilities for pilots to check weather, use restrooms, etc. if possible. (like)
7. Hangar available for inclement weather if possible. (like)
8. NOTAMS for relevant runway/field condition reports (like, otherwise they have to call airport to check on conditions which delays their decision making).

We are reaching out to target (rural) airports to communicate the air ambulance input in order to help guide their development needs.