To obtain these permissions, Amazon has spent the last several years developing “onboard detect-and-avoid technology” so that the drones could successfully avoid airborne obstacles on their own. The company had to submit all engineering information to the FAA such as operation, maintenance and performance details. Then, FAA inspectors had to be present for flight tests around objects like airplanes, helicopters and hot air balloons to “demonstrate how the drone safely navigated away from each one of them.”
How far can Amazon’s delivery drones now fly?
Answer: Beyond visual line of sight.
Amazon has been trying to make drone deliveries a thing for years, and it just took another significant step forward. This week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Prime Air, Amazon’s drone delivery initiative, permissions that allow it to fly its drones beyond where their pilots can see them.
To obtain these permissions, Amazon has spent the last several years developing “onboard detect-and-avoid technology” so that the drones could successfully avoid airborne obstacles on their own. The company had to submit all engineering information to the FAA such as operation, maintenance and performance details. Then, FAA inspectors had to be present for flight tests around objects like airplanes, helicopters and hot air balloons to “demonstrate how the drone safely navigated away from each one of them.”
Now that Amazon can fly its delivery drones further than the eye can see, it will be broadening the delivery area around the College Station, Texas, drone facility. Assuming that goes well, the company hopes to begin integrating drones into its larger delivery network later this year.
To obtain these permissions, Amazon has spent the last several years developing “onboard detect-and-avoid technology” so that the drones could successfully avoid airborne obstacles on their own. The company had to submit all engineering information to the FAA such as operation, maintenance and performance details. Then, FAA inspectors had to be present for flight tests around objects like airplanes, helicopters and hot air balloons to “demonstrate how the drone safely navigated away from each one of them.”
