Stay On Your Lane: Amazon Wants Separate Air Space for Drone Delivery

by Industry Week | Business

Amazone proposed air space for commercial drones between 200 and 400 feet, but the FAA wants the devices to fly only in full view of their operators on the ground.

(Credit: via Indudstry Week)

SAN FRANCISCO — Thinking futuristic about safety reliability, Amazone is reportedly looking to have air routes mapped and separate channels designated for drone flying alone.

 It may represent a major break-through and solve the problem of future flying vehicles, like wingless cars that may one day be a reality. For now however, their wish has not been granted and they are restricted to flying in full view of their operators on ground, according to the rule outlined by the US Federal Aviation Authority.

According to a report on Industry Week, online retail colossus Amazon wants to carve out a special zone of the sky to shuttle commercial drones that would deliver goods to its customers.

The report went on, Amazon Prime Air project vice president Gur Kimchi used a NASA convention in California this week to fly the idea of dedicating separate air zones for commercial drones.

"Kimchi proposed setting commercial drone zones between 200 and 400 feet above the ground, with a no-fly buffer of 100 feet above to keep them safely apart from other aircraft" industry said, adding "Less sophisticated drones, such as those used by hobbyists, could be given air space below that used by the faster, more sensor-equipped commercial models."

Read the full story [ here].