TOPEKA -The new Kansas Unmanned Aerial Systems program conducted test flights over the past week to find ways to use drones for bridge and tower inspections.

“The first week of testing was fantastic,” said Merrill Atwater, Director of Aviation for the state of Kansas.

Most of the testing was completed in the Junction City area. “A number of teams came out and we learned a lot,” said Atwater.

“We know this will save the taxpayers money and is a much safer way for our employees to do this work,”  he said.

KDOT is working with KSU-Polytechnic as part of the learning process.

This is the first of several cooperative efforts KDOT is leading to employ new UAS technologies that increase public safety.

“It’s important we keep safety and personal privacy our top priorities for this program,” said KDOT’s UAS Director Bob Brock.

“KDOT inspectors working directly with UAS operators is an exciting first step that we will follow with many more flight tests to ensure we meet the stringent requirements associated with bridge inspection.

“We also believe UAS is an industry that creates new jobs to help Kansas graduates stay in Kansas, so we are working with universities and other state agencies to investigate additional opportunities for engagement that will be announced in the coming months,” he said.