The UAS Beyond program is KDOT’s ongoing research effort to address drone integration challenges. Inspections of highways, railroads and energy distribution lines happen across the state. Drones help KDOT complete that work faster and for less money.  

In 2017, KDOT was selected to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program. The pilot program ended in 2020. Kansas is one of ten agencies nationwide exploring drone operations.

In addition to infrastructure inspections, KDOT is also examining drone usage in agriculture and disaster response.  

Resources

• Kansas UAS Website
• Kansas UAS Feedback
• Kansas UAS Media
• Kansas UAS Contact Us