This report was 1st published on our sister Site – The Internet Of All Things
This could herald in a new era in “smart” home deliveries. At long last, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has permitted the “experimental” flight of unmanned aircraft by Amazon Logistics, Inc. That means, the flight of drones.
The announcement was also publicised on the FAA News section. The report said: It (FAA) typically issues experimental certificates to manufacturers and technology developers to operate a UAS that does not have a type certificate.
Under the provisions of the certificate, Amazon will have to fly all drones at 400 feet or below during daylight hours in “visual meteorological conditions”, which means in good weather. The UAS must always remain within visual line-of-sight of the pilot and observer. The pilot on the ground actually flying the aircraft must have at least a private pilot’s certificate and current medical certification.
The certificate also requires Amazon to provide monthly data to the FAA. The company must report the number of flights conducted, pilot duty time per flight, unusual hardware or software malfunctions, any deviations from air traffic controllers’ instructions, and any unintended loss of communication links. The FAA includes these reporting requirements in all UAS experimental airworthiness certificates.
Amazon has been talking of delivering goods to customers using mechanised flying machines since 2013.
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