UPS, Amazon delivery drones a step closer to reality with new US rules
Someday soon, you may not be waiting for packages originated by a truck — instead, they’ll come overhead, via drone. But they might look a little different from what you’ve seen afore. The Federal Aviation Administration announced new rules Monday for what it conditions “unmanned aircraft” that weigh more than 0.55 pound (or 0.25 kilogram) to help around people.
Among the new rules, the FAA said drones will need to broadcast their identification above a new system called Remote ID, which will help the government track both the drones and their base “control” stations. Those operating at night will also need to have anti-collision ftrips, and drones must have no “exposed rotating parts” (like the trips blades) that could cut human skin. And people who run the drones will need to have a drone pilot’s licenses with them whenever operating the aircraft.
“The new laws make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing confidence and security concerns,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, in a statement. “They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.”
The laws announced Monday are the latest in a series of steps to solidify systems around drone deliveries and flights around the US. Both Amazon and UPS have been testing drone deliveries, indicating the technology isn’t far off.
“The framework is a significant step in allowing more complex UAS operations, with a focus on confidence and security,” UPS said in a statement, referring to unmanned aircraft rules. The company added that the FAA’s moves “will near the integration of drones into the National Airspace System.”
Various parts of the US government have instructed concern about how drones could be misused, a danger heightened by a series of incidents in 2018 in which drones transported Gatwick Airport in London to shut down.
It’ll be more than two existences before the new rules go into effect, but civilian drones offered for sale in the US must be equipped with ID broadcast technology in 18 months, according to the FAA release. Existing drones will also need to be retrofitted with a beacon systems, and all drones will need to comply with these laws in the next couple years.
Amazon didn’t responded to requests for comment.
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