Published Aug 9, 2023 by https://fm.kuac.org/people/robyne

The University of Alaska and the State are hosting a three-day international drone aircraft conference in Anchorage starting today. It will showcase how uncrewed aircraft can respond to emergencies, haul freight and gather scientific data. Recent test flights have proven drones can replace traditional piloted planes.

On a sunny July day at Nenana’s small airport, trainee pilot Brian Lu is prepping the SeaHunter, a 300-pound, twin engine, 16 foot wingspan drone.

“We’re here to do a practice run between Fairbanks and Nenana,” Lu said.

Lu is one of the newest pilots in the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ drone research program. Officially called the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft System Integration, or ACUASI for short, it’s designated as an FAA “Center of Excellence” to help develop the technology.

Brian Lu says ACUASI’s impact on Interior Alaska is expanding.

“And you know, we want that to be the drone capital. And so we're gonna start these corridors that need to be set up and we need to establish this,” Lu said.

This week’s conference will focus on the potential for drone research and economic impacts. Topics include emergency management, artificial intelligence, law enforcement, rural community needs, and infrastructure.

Published Aug 9, 2023 by Pam Dunklebarger

As we head back to school, I am reminded of a thing that was passed to me from a Facebook page called “Help a Teacher.” It is called “The Real School Supply List.”

We need to buy notebooks, pens, pencils, etc. But have you thought about the things that can really make a difference? Let’s talk about them.