Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Douglas M. Marshall, J.D., is the owner of TrueNorth Consulting LLC, a UAS support and service organization founded in 2007. He enjoyed an appointment as Adjunct Professor of Law, DePaul University College of Law, where he developed and delivered the first drone law course in an American law school. Previously, he was a division manager, UAS Regulations & Standards Development at the Physical Science Laboratory, New Mexico State University, and professor of aviation at the University of North Dakota. He has been engaged full time on UAS-related activities for over 15 years, is the co-editor of two books related to aviation, and is the author of numerous published articles on aviation law, regulations, and remotely piloted aircraft. He has served on RTCA SC-203, ASTM F-38, and SAE G-10 Committees; the AUVSI Advocacy Committee; the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program UAS Expert Group; the Small UAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee; and the Part 91 Working Group supporting a second UAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee. He chaired the ASTM F38.02.01 Task Group on Standards for Operations Over People, was a member of the Steering Committee, Civil Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems Conference, Boulder, Colorado, and several other committees dedicated to the development of UAS, and has delivered presentations on international aviation regulations and airspace issues at symposia and conferences around the world.

Dr Richard Kurt Barnhart is Professor and currently the Associate Dean of Research at Kansas State University Salina, in addition to serving as the executive director of the Applied Aviation Research Center which established and now oversees the Unmanned Aerial Systems program office. Most recently, Dr. Barnhart was Head of the Aviation Department at Kansas State University. Dr. Barnhart is a member of the graduate faculty at K-State and holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument, multi-engine, seaplane and glider ratings. He also is a certified flight instructor with instrument and multi-engine ratings. Dr. Barnhart also holds an airframe and powerplant certificate with inspection authorization. Dr. Barnhart holds an A.S. in Aviation Maintenance Technology from Vincennes University, a B.S. in aviation administration from Purdue University, an MBAA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Ph.D. in educational administration from Indiana State University. Dr. Barnhart’s Research agenda is focused in aviation psychology and Human Factors as well as the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the National Airspace System. His industry experience includes work as a R&D inspector with Rolls Royce Engine Company where he worked on the RQ-4 Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft development program, as well as serving as an aircraft systems instructor for American Trans-Air airlines. Formerly Dr. Barnhart was an Associate Professor and Acting Department Chair of the Aerospace Technology at Indiana State University where he was responsible for teaching flight and upper division administrative classes. Courses taught include Aviation Risk Analysis, Citation II Ground School, King Air 200 Flight, Air Navigation, Air Transportation, Instrument Ground School and many others.

Eric J. Shappee is a Professor of Aviation at Kansas State University Polytechnic. He has served as the Director of Flight Operations, Acting Department Head and Professional Pilot Program Lead for Aviation. He is a member of the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and has served on the Board of Trustees for the University Aviation Association (UAA). Eric teaches numerous aviation courses, which include: Introduction to Aviation, Commercial Pilot Ground School, Aviation Safety, and Aviation Accident Investigation. He holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument, multiengine, and glider ratings. He is also a certified flight instructor with gold seal and a Master CFI. Eric holds two associate degrees from Antelope Valley College (Lancaster, California), a bachelors in aeronautical science and a masters in aeronautical science and safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His main area of focus is in aviation safety. He has developed several risk assessment tools for K-State and other aviation organizations. Further, he is a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators and has attended the NTSB Academy. Eric Shappee has been active in the field of aviation since 1986, and teaching since 1995. Eric has given over 3000 hours of dual given. During his career in aviation, Professor Shappee has also spent time working with unmanned aerial systems.