What is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle?
The terms “unmanned aerial vehicles” (UAV), “unmanned aerial systems” (UAS), and “drones” include any flying vehicle that does not carry a human pilot on board. UAVs are typically controlled via a remote operator on the ground, though many now employ GPS mapping and artificial intelligence to allow the testing of autonomous operation. They are typically electric but can be powered by combustion engine or are hybrid.
Non-agricultural uses of UAVs, currently more common in urban areas, include: cargo transport (such as package delivery by companies like Amazon and Walmart); disaster response (the State Fire Marshal’s Office has three–one in Topeka, one to cover the western part of the state, and one to cover the eastern part of the state); and police search and rescue.
In agriculture, UAVs are used to monitor crop and livestock health, map and survey fields for crop planning, and apply seed, pesticides, or fertilizer.
Proponents of the technology tout the efficiency and accuracy of such agricultural uses, stating that UAVs use less fuel, and their increased precision will lead to less waste and less pollution.
Kansas
Wichita claims the title of “Air Capital of the World” due to its history and prominence in aircraft manufacturing. It is home to some of the leading manufacturers of aircraft in the world including Textron Aviation, Bombardier, and Spirit AeroSystems. It is also where companies like Cessna, Beechcraft, and Learjet began.
The Kansas Departments of Commerce (Commerce), Transportation (KDOT), and Agriculture (KDA) have made supporting the agricultural drone industry a priority. Their goal is to make Kansas a leader in this industry worldwide in the same way that Kansas is a leader in the aircraft manufacturing industry.
Kansas State University (KSU), University of Kansas (KU), and Wichita State University (WSU) are heavily involved in UAV research and development in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Alliance for System Safety of UAS Through Research Excellence (ASSURE) program. Most public universities in the state offer UAV-related classes, certifications, or degrees.
Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, a company based in northeast Kansas, has the largest contiguous FAA-approved UAV test range in the country that shares airspace with four states. It is also home to the largest FAA-certified drone in the nation, the Pyka Pelican II. In partnership with KDOT’s Division of Aviation; KSU Salina; Commerce; and other private and community partners, this drone made the state’s first long-range beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) medical supply delivery using a UAV on August 12, 2025. The flight was approximately 30 miles from Seneca, Kansas, to Community Healthcare Systems in Onaga, Kansas.
Kansas is also home to other leading manufacturers and operators of UAVs, including Saxon Unmanned, Kansas Drone Services, AgEagle Aerial Systems, Humminbyrd Drones, and many others offering a variety of services.
Infrastructure Needs
When electric vehicles began to be available to the public, infrastructure was needed in the form of charging stations, certified mechanics, and electrical energy to meet the needs of the advancements in technology. The increased use of UAVs in agriculture will also require a certain amount of infrastructure in place. This includes testing ranges, traffic management, communications, and airport electrification.
Regulations
The operation of UAVs is regulated by the FAA in 14 CFR Part 107. It is currently required that the operator must keep the UAV in sight at all times. There is a proposed rule, Part 108, that would regulate operation of UAVs BVLOS. It is scheduled to be in the Public Comment phase until October 6, 2025.
The FAA requires the passing of the Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate in order to fly a drone commercially. To fly a drone recreationally, the FAA requires the passing of the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
Kansas requires any commercial agricultural pesticide sprayers to be certified through the KDA’s Pesticide and Fertilizer Program. Commercial operators of UAVs that are used for pesticide application are regulated by these rules.
Recent Bills
2025 HB 2308
HB 2308 would enact the Aviation and Innovative Manufacturing in Kansas Act (AIM-K). The bill would create tax incentives and funds to attract businesses engaged in electric- or hydrogen-powered vehicle production and aircraft innovation, education, and manufacturing in Kansas. The bill was introduced by the House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development. The Committee held a hearing on March 4, 2025. No further action was taken on the bill.
2025 House Sub. for SB 9
House Sub. for SB 9 created the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act. The bill contained certain amended provisions of HB 2293. The provisions relevant to UAVs prohibit Kansas government agencies from acquiring drones whose critical components were produced by a country of concern, or whose critical components were produced or owned by a foreign principal. House Sub. for SB 9 was signed into law by the Governor on April 7, 2025.
Other State Policies
In 2016, Kansas included the use of UAVs over or near any dwelling, occupied vehicle, or other place where one may reasonably expect to be safe from uninvited intrusion or surveillance as a prohibited form of harassment in the Protection from Stalking Act.
Local Policies
Municipalities and other local authorities in Kansas are free to make their own policies regarding UAVs. For example, the city of Wichita prohibits the use of UAVs near airports without the written permission of the airport director, and the city of Prairie Village prohibits the use of UAVs near a person in an offensive manner, over certain events, or over certain private property without consent.
By Walter Nelson and Walter Schmidt.