FLYING Magazine
State aviation agencies are important for a variety of reasons, from guiding legislative policy and supporting airports to strengthening aviation safety and inspiring new aviators.
One of the main functions of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is to oversee the growth and development of the state’s air transportation system.
“One of our primary roles is administering the state airport improvement program, which is a $15 million annual grant funding mechanism to help public airports maintain and develop their infrastructure,” said Ray Seif, director of aviation. “We work with the airports and their consultants to understand their infrastructure needs and help guide project development.”
Seif is proud that the department serves as a central place for aviation resources across the state.
Suggesting funding sources, including federal grants, is another integral part of the Division of Aviation’s work. Many airports are unaware of the funding available to them, or how to best apply for it.
“We connect airports with information and resources that could help them stretch their budget dollars and manage their airports more efficiently, such as sharing information about a state contract with John Deere that allows local government to also lease tractors at heavily negotiated prices, or sharing information about accessing federal surplus where airports could obtain equipment for pennies on the dollar,” Seif said.
“Another focus area for the division is the research and development of emerging aviation technologies, such as small and large drones and the next generation of aircraft, such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). As one of eight FAA’s BEYOND program lead participants, KDOT Aviation works with the FAA, industry, academia, and users to integrate advanced drone operations into the national airspace system.”
The department is currently developing an aviation outreach and community engagement framework that will serve as a resource, helping airports to connect with their communities. Local aviation champions will be given the resources to help share their value with airport users, community leadership, businesses, and the general public.
Additionally, KDOT also connects with airports and pilots through various events, including the annually held Aviation Day at the Capitol (spring) and the Fly Kansas Air Tour (fall). These events, as well as aviation career days and airport open houses, provide the general public a close-up look at aviation and showcase some of the career possibilities available within the industry.
Similarly, the KDOT aviation team worked with academia and industry to update the aviation transportation pathway within the Kansas Department of Education, providing additional aviation exposure opportunities to K-12 children within Kansas schools.
One of Seif’s other priorities is improving access to rural portions of the state where medical care is less accessible through the creation of more air ambulance pickup locations.
“Some communities are struggling with [hospital] funding and are reducing services, which means people there have to travel further for healthcare. Hospitals are also struggling to get medical supplies and professionals in a timely manner,” Seif said.
“We are working with the Air Ambulance Association and the State Hospital Association through a joint task force to identify air ambulance pickup locations and the resources needed to improve access throughout the state. Our goal is to improve access for all Kansans either through developing infrastructure such as longer or wider runways for fixed-wing air ambulance or by leveraging emerging aviation.”
In addition to supporting airport managers and improving their facilities, one of the Division of Aviation’s strategic pillars is a focus on emerging technologies. Kansas’ rich aviation heritage, and wide-open spaces, make it an attractive arena for the testing and implementation of small and large drones as well as the next generation of electric and hybrid aircraft.
![KDOT Aviation’s Brian Kassin flies a drone and discusses drone and aviation careers with students at one of the department's outreach events [Credit: Kansas Department of Transportation]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1.jpg?w=1024)
“Working with other state agencies, academia, and industry, we recently released an Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap, Market Analysis, and Economic Impact Study. This state strategy is intended to help guide our AAM efforts over the coming years, including recommendations for infrastructure development, governance, community engagement, and workforce development,” Seif said.
While there are challenges with buoying innovation, supporting the future of flight is a worthy endeavor and the team’s willingness embodies the state’s motto of “Ad Astra per Aspera” (“To the Stars Through Difficulties”).