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K-State Today

July 17, 2017

Participants needed for UAS research opportunity

Submitted by Andi Meyer

Participants are needed for a PrecisionHawk Pathfinder unmanned aerial system, or UAS, research opportunity Aug. 1-3 near Salina. The aim of this research is to collect data on the functionality and effectiveness of assistive technology displays and alerts for extended visual line of sight, or EVLOS, unmanned aircraft flight operations.

When: The field trial will take place Aug. 1, 2 or 3, depending on availability. The time commitment is approximately four to eight hours on one of these days.

Where: Outdoor field site near Gypsum — 15 minutes southeast of Salina.

What: You can expect to spend one day outdoors at the field site, receiving training on the ground control station software followed by field activities. Field activities are aimed at understanding the effectiveness and functionality of assistive technology for air traffic situational awareness. You will not be flying a UAS for this initial set of tests, but it will be an immersive simulation with flight operations in the vicinity. Water, lunch, shade and other accommodations will be provided.

Qualifications: Participants must have a pilot certificate, such as private pilot or remote pilot in command, or RPIC. Participants do not need to be K-State faculty, staff or students, and do not need to have any experience flying unmanned aircraft.

Background:
Pathfinder Focus Area 2 is a collaborative research and development effort between the FAA and PrecisionHawk to enable unmanned aerial system, or UAS, operation in extended visual line-of-sight, or EVLOS, operations in rural areas. EVLOS is defined as flight of a UAS outside the Pilot in Command's, or PIC's, visual range but still within visual range of the pilot to identify encroaching aircraft within the area of operation. The Pathfinder results are expected to have a direct and near-term impact on the FAA’s regulatory stance toward UAS operation in the United States.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the survey in the link below no later than Thursday, July 27. Participant slots are limited. Click here to complete the survey of availability and sign-up. 

This research has been approved by the Kansas State University Institutional Review Board #8341.