These are "proof of concept" operations and studies on how to safely integrate drones into the national airspace. There are already a number of drone companies making deliveries in the United States. See: Zipline, Google Wing and DroneUp.
FAA regulations around drone operations, furthermore delivery are complex and evolving. There are a lot of uneducated assumptions in the comments. The FAA grants exemptions, waivers and special permissions to operators on a case by case safety basis and there are electronic systems in place to support this. For example, if you plan to fly within 5 miles of an airport you can file and obtain permission electronically through the LAANC system.
I encourage those looking for more information to review FAA part 107, 135 carrier operations and the public waiver database for more information.
(Source: I've worked and enabled drone delivery operations, many of which, were first of their kind in this space for over 10 years)
playhelicoptergame t1_j21928r wrote
Reply to Amazon begins drone deliveries in California and Texas | Amazon Prime Air wants to deliver packages within 60 minutes. by chrisdh79
These are "proof of concept" operations and studies on how to safely integrate drones into the national airspace. There are already a number of drone companies making deliveries in the United States. See: Zipline, Google Wing and DroneUp.
FAA regulations around drone operations, furthermore delivery are complex and evolving. There are a lot of uneducated assumptions in the comments. The FAA grants exemptions, waivers and special permissions to operators on a case by case safety basis and there are electronic systems in place to support this. For example, if you plan to fly within 5 miles of an airport you can file and obtain permission electronically through the LAANC system.
I encourage those looking for more information to review FAA part 107, 135 carrier operations and the public waiver database for more information.
(Source: I've worked and enabled drone delivery operations, many of which, were first of their kind in this space for over 10 years)