Amazon and Drones - Coming to your area?

This was brought up at the pilots meeting last night. Didn't think it was true, but it just might be.

Drone Airspace? by Steve Podradchik

I ran across the following article about Amazon proposing a thin slice of airspace to be dedicated to drones.  Providing the obvious limits on drone flights, regardless of the altitude, are in place near airports (incl. seaplane bases) and other crucial manned flight areas, it seems like the concept should be explored further.  There may be an issue in Alaska where it's common for folks to fly very low to the ground, potentially in the slice of airspace that Amazon proposes.  Still, it's hard to imagine a lot of drones flying in the Alaska backcountry.

http://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-proposes-slice-of-sky-designated-for-commercial-drones/

It's inevitable that drones will be flying so the real question is how to keep them from dangerously interfering with us.  I believe it's already been stated that drones would have to carry ADS-B Out transmitters so it's also yet another reason to get ADS-B Out in your plane (besides the January 1, 2020 FAA mandate, of course).

Thoughts?

Steve

Steve Podradchik | July 29, 2015 at 6:54 am | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/p5d9ep-3P

First Successful Drone Delivery Made in the US

July 20, 2015 8:33 AM Wochit

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The first US government-approved drone delivery has successfully transported 4.5kg of medical supplies to a rural health clinic. The drone, made by Australian drone manufacturer Flirtey, took part in the demonstration, which was approved by the Federal Aviation Authority, in partnership with Nasa on Friday. The Flirtey drone made three three-minute flights from Lonesome Pine Airport, Virginia, to the clinic at the Wise County Fairgrounds, carrying 24 medical packages. The test is being hailed as proof that drones can be useful in a delivery scenario, particularly in rural and remote areas that are hard to reach via ground vehicles. But the range and flight time of drones means that opportunities are limited. Amazon and others are currently developing the technology to make drone deliveries possible on a commercially viable scale, but rules and regulations currently governing their operation have held development back.

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