Apple to Participate in Pilot Program Allowing Expanded Operation of Drones [Updated]

[BC2009]

“a new pilot program”

I’m not sure if that counts as irony or tautology... maybe both?!

It's pretty punny.
[doublepost=1525926786][/doublepost]On a side note, Amazon applied for this pilot program, but was NOT selected. So much for drone deliveries from Amazon.

 

[jbizzybeetle]

It pretty punny.
[doublepost=1525926786][/doublepost]On a side note, Amazon applied for this pilot program, but was NOT selected. So much for drone deliveries from Amazon.

With the individual contractor program, I feel I already get “drone” delivery from Amazon. /s

seriously, though, thank you FAA for just saying no.

 

[MDF314159265]

With the individual contractor program, I feel I already get “drone” delivery from Amazon. /s

seriously, though, thank you FAA for just saying no.

Now that you mention it - I’d rather a drone deliver my packages than some of these boneheads I’ve seen. It’s only the “individual contractor” type as you mention too; throwing packages, dropping packages, not even setting the package in a conspicuous location by my door... many of these “individual contractor” types are awful!
I’ve done deliveries for Amazon and I always handled customers deliveries with utmost care - no matter how heavy or difficult to find!

 

[kingtj]

I'm not so sure? On one hand, I'm not surprised Amazon wasn't selected, as they do such a high volume of deliveries, they probably don't make the most compelling case to do limited testing of advanced use of drones. (One could see how as soon as they get permission, they'll implement delivery drones flying at night and over everyone's heads in every major U.S. city, ASAP, if it cuts costs for them.)

But on the flip-side? I really dislike some of the government regulation on these. IMO, if the drone is below a certain size and weight, it should be exempt from much of it. Something as small as a DJI Mavic Pro really isn't a threat to people's lives if it falls out of the sky.

 

[MDF314159265]

I'm not so sure? On one hand, I'm not surprised Amazon wasn't selected, as they do such a high volume of deliveries, they probably don't make the most compelling case to do limited testing of advanced use of drones. (One could see how as soon as they get permission, they'll implement delivery drones flying at night and over everyone's heads in every major U.S. city, ASAP, if it cuts costs for them.)

But on the flip-side? I really dislike some of the government regulation on these. IMO, if the drone is below a certain size and weight, it should be exempt from much of it. Something as small as a DJI Mavic Pro really isn't a threat to people's lives if it falls out of the sky.

Regulation is unfortunate, but necessary. At a little over 1.5 lbs., the Mavic pro could be fatal if falling from even 100’. Slim chance it would land one someone, but if it did? Also, wildlife (which has many laws & regulations to preserve and protect) could be at risk as well.
And, it might not seem like it, but a little drone could do a lot of damage to manned aircraft, big and small.
A single prop plane’s body or windshield could be smashed by a stationary drone at the planes’ own airspeed (120+). A jet engine could be disabled by a drone being sucked in and wreaking havoc within the various chambers.
US also has the most congested airspace in the world, so for everyone with $500 to spend on drones capable of height & distance, that adds a lot more chances for something to go wrong.

 

[kingtj]

I'm not advocating for getting rid of ALL the regulations on these!
I absolutely agree that a drone, in the path of a helicopter or airplane, can be a fatal accident.

But my point is that we've always had hobbyist gasoline powered R/C airplanes and helicopters, model rockets ... even kites ... that were all pretty much ignored as harmless and unnecessary to regulate.

Right now, the rules require such things as reporting to your local airport before flying your drone in your own back yard, even if you're just trying to get a video survey of the condition of your roof or something. That's a little excessive.

Regulation is unfortunate, but necessary. At a little over 1.5 lbs., the Mavic pro could be fatal if falling from even 100’. Slim chance it would land one someone, but if it did? Also, wildlife (which has many laws & regulations to preserve and protect) could be at risk as well.
And, it might not seem like it, but a little drone could do a lot of damage to manned aircraft, big and small.
A single prop plane’s body or windshield could be smashed by a stationary drone at the planes’ own airspeed (120+). A jet engine could be disabled by a drone being sucked in and wreaking havoc within the various chambers.
US also has the most congested airspace in the world, so for everyone with $500 to spend on drones capable of height & distance, that adds a lot more chances for something to go wrong.