That delivery drone is a step closer to reality.
Amazon
One day you may not be waiting for packages delivered by a truck – instead it will come overhead by drone. But they may look a little different than what you’ve seen before. The Federal Aviation Administration on Monday announced new rules for what it calls ‘unmanned aircraft’ that weigh more than 0.25 kilograms to operate people.
Under the new rules, the FAA said drones must broadcast their identification through a new system called Remote ID, which will help the government track down the drones as well as their basic “control stations”. Those who work at night will also need to have anti-collision lights, and drones may not have any “exposed rotating parts” (such as the fly blades) that can cut human skin. And people who operate the drones must have a license for drones when they operate the aircraft.
“The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said in a statement. “They bring us closer to the day when we will see more frequent drone operations, such as the delivery of packages.”
The rules announced Monday are the latest in a series of steps to tighten regulations regarding drone deliveries and flights around the US. Both Amazon and UPS were test drone deliveries, which indicates the technology is not far.
Several parts of the U.S. government have expressed concern about how drones could be abused, a concern raised by a series of incidents in 2018 in which drones were caused Closing London Gatwick Airport.
It will take more than two years for the new rules to take effect, but civilian drones offered for sale in the U.S. must be equipped with ID broadcasting technology within 18 months, according to the FAA release. Existing drones will also need to be refurbished with a beacon system, and all drones will have to comply with these rules in the next few years.
Neither Amazon nor UPS responded immediately to requests for comment.
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