The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given Amazon permission to fly its delivery drones beyond line of sight (BVLOS). Once that hurdle is cleared, the company claims it will be able to fly farther and expand its drone service, providing customers with faster delivery and a greater selection of products. announced in a blog post.
So far, the FAA has allowed Amazon to fly drones as far as it can see from the ground. Thus, observers or pilots could ensure that the drones did not interfere with the aircraft. However, the restriction severely limited how far the drones could travel.
To go beyond that, Amazon says it has spent years developing “on-board detect-and-escape technology.” Submitted engineering data to the FAA, including operational, maintenance and performance details. Flight tests were then conducted around airplanes, helicopters and a hot air balloon with FAA inspectors present, to “demonstrate how the drone can safely fly away from each,” Amazon said.
With BVLOS approval, the company plans to expand its delivery area around its drone facility in College Station, Texas. Later in 2024, drone delivery will be integrated into its wider delivery network.
Amazon last month announced One of its first test sites in Lockeford, California, said it had stopped delivering drones without giving a specific reason. Meanwhile, West Valley said it will begin drone deliveries in the Phoenix metro area.
