This delivery drone is a step closer to reality.
Amazon
Someday soon, you may not be waiting for packages delivered by truck – instead, they will come over the top, via drone. But they may look a little different from what you’ve seen before. The Federal Aviation Administration announced new rules on Monday for what it calls “unmanned aircraft” that weigh more than 0.55 pounds (or 0.25 kg) to operate around people.
Among the new rules, the FAA said that drones will need to transmit their identification through a new system called Remote ID, which will help the government track drones and their base “control” stations. Those who operate at night also need to have anti-collision lights, and drones must not have “exposed rotating parts” (like flight blades) that can cut human skin. And the people who manage the drones will need to have a drone pilot license whenever they operate the aircraft.
“The new rules open the way for greater integration of drones in our airspace, addressing safety and security issues,” FAA administrator Steve Dickson said in a statement. “They bring us closer to the day when we will see drone operations more routinely, like delivering packages.
The rules announced on Monday are the latest in a series of steps to solidify regulations on drone and flight deliveries to the U.S. Both Amazon and UPS were testing drone deliveries, indicating The technology it’s not far.
“The structure is a critical step in enabling more complex UAS operations, with a focus on safety and security,” said UPS in a statement, referring to unmanned aircraft systems. The company added that the FAA’s measures “will promote the integration of drones into the National Airspace System”.
Several parts of the U.S. government have expressed concern about how drones can be misused, a concern compounded by a series of incidents in 2018 in which drones caused London Gatwick Airport to close.
It will take more than two years for the new rules to take effect, but civilian drones offered for sale in the United States must be equipped with ID transmission technology in 18 months, according to the FAA statement. Existing drones will also need to be adapted with a beacon system, and all drones will need to comply with these rules for the next two years.
Amazon did not respond to requests for comment.
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