Drones are going to be delivering packages to our door eventually and when that will happen depends on just companies creating working systems for the deliveries, but regulatory agencies allowing them to do so. Fortunately for Amazon, which made the concept of delivery drones popular, the FAA is now allowing the company to conduct tests for these drones.
Amazon has moved a step closer to its goal of one day delivering packages by drone. The Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an “experimental airworthiness certificate” to Amazon, allowing the company to test its unmanned aircraft. The certificate comes with some restrictions. Amazon will only be able fly its test drones during daylight in clear conditions. Drones can’t fly out of sight of the pilot, who must have a private pilot’s certificate, and an observer. The company’s drones are also not allowed to fly higher than 400 feet above the ground. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos first announced the company’s Prime Air project while on “60 Minutes” in December 2013, but its plans were soon deflated by the FAA. In China, Amazon already has some competition, as online retail giant Alibaba is testing drones that deliver tea.
