KS – Kansas
Kansas’s Monument Rocks at night
Kansas government website just for reference.
The KSDOT has a KSDOT UAS Page.
Kansas Legislature in case more laws were written since this book was published.
Last updated on March 25, 2024
Airspace
In addition to checking the FAA UAS Facility Map or B4UFLY or SkyVector or Google Maps one should consider also FAA JO 7400.10F – Special Use Airspace which is an order, published yearly, providing a listing of all regulatory and non-regulatory special use airspace areas, as well as issued but not yet implemented amendments to those areas established by the FAA.
Special Use Airspace consists of airspace of defined dimensions identified by an area on the surface of the earth wherein activities must be confined because of their nature, or wherein limitations are imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities, or both. The vertical limits of special use airspace are measured by designated altitude floors and ceilings expressed as flight levels or as feet above MSL. Unless otherwise specified, the word “to” (an altitude or flight level) means “to and including” (that altitude or flight level). The horizontal limits of special use airspace are measured by boundaries described by geographic coordinates or other appropriate references that clearly define their perimeter. The period of time during which a designation of special use airspace is in effect is stated in the designation. All bearings and radials in this part are true from point of origin. Unless otherwise specified, all mileages in this part are stated as statute miles.
Restricted Areas: No person may operate an aircraft within a restricted area between the designated altitudes and during the time of designation, unless they have the advance permission of:
(a) The using agency described in § 73.15; or
(b) The controlling agency described in § 73.17.
These using agencies may be the agency, organization, or military command whose activity within a restricted area necessitated the area being so designated. Upon the request of the FAA, the using agency shall execute a letter establishing procedures for joint use of a restricted area by the using agency and the controlling agency, under which the using agency would notify the controlling agency whenever the controlling agency may grant permission for transit through the restricted area in accordance with the terms of the letter. The using agency shall:
(1) Schedule activities within the restricted area;
(2) Authorize transit through, or flight within, the restricted area as feasible; and
(3) Contain within the restricted area all activities conducted therein in accordance with the purpose for which it was designated.
For the purposes of this part, the controlling agency is the FAA facility that may authorize transit through or flight within a restricted area in accordance with a joint-use letter issued under § 73.15.
Prohibited Areas: No person may operate an aircraft within a prohibited area unless authorization has been granted by the using agency. For the purpose of this subpart, the using agency is the agency, organization or military command that established the requirements for the prohibited area.
Military Operations Areas: A Military Operations Area (MOA) is airspace established outside of Class A airspace to separate/segregate certain nonhazardous military activities from IFR traffic and to identify for VFR traffic where these activities are conducted. Activities. MOA’s are established to contain certain military activities such as air combat maneuvers, air intercepts, acrobatics, etc.
Alert Areas: Airspace which may contain a high volume of pilot training activities or an unusual type of aerial activity, neither of which is hazardous to aircraft.
Warning Areas: A non regulatory warning area is airspace of defined dimensions designated over international waters that contains activity which may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The purpose of such warning areas is to warn nonparticipating pilots of the potential danger. Activities may be hazardous.
National Security Areas: A national security area (NSA) consists of airspace of defined vertical and lateral dimensions established at locations where there is a requirement for increased security of ground facilities. The purpose of such national security areas is to request pilot cooperation by voluntarily avoiding flight through the NSA. When circumstances dictate a need for a greater level of security, flight in an NSA may be temporarily prohibited by regulation under the provisions of 14 CFR Section 99.7, Special Security Instructions. Such prohibitions will be issued by FAA Headquarters and disseminated via the US NOTAM System.
Crewed Aircraft in your Airspace
CREWED AIRCRAFT
Kansas Statute 60-31a02
Definitions. As used in the protection from stalking or sexual assault act:
(a) ”Sexual assault” means:
(1) A nonconsensual sexual act; or
(2) an attempted sexual act against another by force, threat of force, duress or when the person is incapable of giving consent.
(b) ”Stalking” means an intentional harassment of another person that places the other person in reasonable fear for that person’s safety.
(c) ”Harassment” means a knowing and intentional course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, torments or terrorizes the person, and that serves no legitimate purpose. “Harassment” shall include any course of conduct carried out through the use of an UAS over or near any dwelling, occupied vehicle or other place where one may reasonably expect to be safe from uninvited intrusion or surveillance.
(d) ”Course of conduct” means conduct consisting of two or more separate acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose which would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”
(e) ”Unmanned aerial system” means a powered, aerial vehicle that:
(1) Does not carry a human operator;
(2) uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift;
(3) may fly autonomously or be piloted remotely;
(4) may be expendable or recoverable; and
(5) may carry a lethal or nonlethal payload.
Kansas Statute 79-220
Property exempt from taxation; antique and amateur-built aircraft.
The following described property, to the extent herein specified, is hereby exempt from all property or ad valorem taxes levied under the laws of the state of Kansas:
Any antique aircraft and amateur-built aircraft used exclusively for recreational or display purposes, or any combination thereof. The term “antique aircraft” means all aircraft 30 years or older as determined by the date of manufacture. The term “amateur-built aircraft” means an aircraft, manned or unmanned, the major portion of which has been fabricated and assembled by a person or persons who undertook the construction project solely for their own education or recreation.
The provisions of this section shall apply to all taxable years commencing after December 31, 2013.
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Rules
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Prairie Village 11-1601
Definitions
…
(e) Unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV means an aircraft that: (1) is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft, and (2) weighs less than 55 pounds at the time of operation, including the weight of any payload or fuel.
…
Prairie Village 11-1603
Limitations on operating regulations
(a) Commercial Operations Authorized by the FAA. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 11-1602, nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit, limit or otherwise restrict any person who is authorized to fly a UAV as a commercial pilot pursuant to 14 CFR 107 (drones under 55 pounds) or under the Special Authority for Certain UAS at 49 USC § 44807 (drones over 55 pounds) by or other FAA grant of authority for a specific flight operation(s), from conducting such operations(s) in accordance with authority granted by the FAA.
(b) Operations Prohibited by FAA—Clarification. Nothing in this Article shall be construed to authorize the operation of UAVs in city airspace in violation of any Federal statute or rules promulgated thereunder, including, but not limited to, any temporary flight restrictions or notices to airmen issued by the FAA.
(c) Operations by City for Law Enforcement Purposes. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 11-1602, nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit or restrict the use of a UAV by a law enforcement agency or for emergency response operations in accordance with applicable law.
Wichita Code 9.35.210
Operation of gliders, glider towing, remote control, and other aeronautical devices.
The release, launch or operation of remote radio controlled aircraft, balloons, hot air balloons, kites, rockets, gliders/sailplanes, UAVs, and the towing of banners at or from any Airport, Airport property, or property immediately adjacent to and bordering Airport property shall not be permitted without the prior written consent of the Director.
Any person violating any provision of this Section of the Code is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) and/or an imprisonment of not more than six (6) months and/or both such fine and imprisonment.
University Drone Policies
University of Kansas – KU
Note: This list is just a sample… many more could be added.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
2021 – Kansas Poised to Lead in Future of Aviation, Air Taxis
Short Essay Questions
Question 1
You have been hired by a Drone Startup Company. Your boss has immediately assigned this job to you.
They need you to prepare a one-page memo detailing the legalities of filming Kansas Monument Rocks at night, as pictured above.
They need you to mention any state laws and local ordinances.
They specifically want to know what airspace you will be operating in, and whether or not you need an airspace authorization, with or without LAANC capability.
Lastly, there is a bonus for you if, as you scroll through this chapter, you find any typos or broken links!
Question 2
Do the state drone laws implicate the First Amendment? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 3
Do the state drone laws implicate the Fourth Amendment? Or involve law enforcement officers obtaining warrants? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 4
Do the state drone laws contain a preemption clause? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 5
Does the state have UAM/AAM laws? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 6
Are you aware of any new laws or policies not mentioned above? If so, describe, citing the exact law or policy.
