Amazon’s drone project in Texas has hit a snag, with the community complaining about noise pollution.
CNBC interviewed residents of College Station, Texas. One person compared the noise to a “giant hive of bees.”
Amazon wants to extend its delivery window to until 10 pm and as early as 7 am. However, residents staying close to the drone port are not happy.
UK drone tests
Amazon is also among seven retailers trialing drones in the UK, flying beyond a human controller’s line of sight.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is monitoring the developments and will have the final say by the end of the trial period.
It’s being reported that Kirkwall Airport in the Orkney Islands has also been identified as a testing ground. The purpose is to test how drones and aircraft might be able to operate next to each other without interference.
ALSO READ: UK regulator unveils drone trials for everyday applications
Significance of drones flying BVLOS
Flying BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) means a drone can fly where the remote pilot can’t see it directly. The pilot is trained to rely on instruments and technology to control the drone.
Regulators worldwide have been formulating new regulations to allow more complex parcel deliveries to take place beyond the BVLOS.
In June, Amazon obtained this permission after developing an extensive BVLOS strategy. After spending years developing and testing the system to ensure its safety, Amazon labeled it a difficult journey.
Amazon’s future drone plans
The retail giant hopes to integrate drone deliveries into its delivery network later this year. This means more same-day deliveries with drones.
But for now, the College Station community’s noise pollution complaints must first be addressed.
Amazon wants to give customers what they are demanding, “faster delivery.”
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About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
