RICHMOND, Ky. (July 8, 2026) — Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) School of Aviation is expanding hands-on learning opportunities with the addition of a new WingtraRAY unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to its UAS fleet. The professional-grade aircraft will provide students in EKU’s UAS program with experience using advanced mapping, surveying and geospatial technology found throughout today’s unmanned aircraft industry.
“EKU continues to invest in opportunities that prepare students for careers in Kentucky’s fastest-growing industries,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “This reflects our dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience while strengthening the workforce pipeline for the Commonwealth and beyond.”
WingtraRAY is a fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft equipped with advanced mapping and surveying capabilities used by industry professionals around the world. This cutting-edge platform will provide EKU students with access to the same technology employed in advanced agriculture, land surveying, infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring and high-precision 3D mapping and modeling applications, preparing students to meet the growing demands of the emerging drone industry.
“As the UAS industry continues to evolve, it is essential that our students train on the technologies they will encounter in the workforce,” said Aaron Kuster, assistant professor in EKU’s School of Aviation. “The addition of the WingtraRay further demonstrates EKU’s commitment to providing innovative, hands-on education and preparing the next generation of unmanned aircraft professionals.”
At a live flight demonstration of the WingtraRAY on campus, senior UAS major Jackson Beardsley from Richmond, Kentucky, said he is excited about the addition of the WingtraRAY to the program, because it expands the technology students can train with as the program’s first fixed-wing drone.
EKU’s UAS program, offered as a concentration in the School of Aviation, was launched in 2022 in response to the growing need for skilled drone operators across a variety of industries. Providing multiple pathways into the aviation industry, EKU’s School of Aviation continues to experience strong momentum, with enrollment increasing 140% over the past few years and job placement rates consistently ranging between 98% and 100%. The FAA has recognized EKU as one of the fastest-growing aviation programs in the country.
