GROUNDING AMAZON
Amazon.com has been working on an innovative approach to its last-mile delivery strategy. The idea is to have automated drones drop off packages weighing no more than about five pounds. Conceptually, technologically, and innovatively, many people like the idea. Count me in! Nevertheless, figuring out the angles on safety, public acceptance, and regulatory compliance will be complex. Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration threw a monkey wrench into the mix with these rulings about what Amazon.com is allowed to do with a drone:
- The drone can only operate during daylight.
- The drone must not exceed an altitude of 400 feet.
- The drone must be continuously visually monitored by an operator.
- The drone operator must be a traditional licensed pilot.
By the time you throw in these four stipulations, the drone idea has quickly become much more complicated and expensive. First, the automated drone idea is grounded. Second, a 400-foot altitude limitation will add airspace challenges. Third, how much more will a licensed pilot require in wages versus a traditional delivery driver? Fourth, we can only imagine the regulatory, legal, and liability challenges the automated or nonautomated drone concept presents.
The multiparty dialogue continues. In the meantime, I wouldn’t be expecting your next Amazon.com delivery to be dropped down from the sky.
