Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Amazon.com To FAA: US Stifling Drone Industry

Amazon.com--in its attempt to bring commercial delivery of products via drone to reality--is becoming impatient with the slow and restrictive pace of drone regulation in the United States, and says it is considering moving its drone research and development efforts overseas. In a letter to the FAA, reviewed by the WSJ, Amazon apparently warns the industry that it will have "no choice" but to divert more of research and development resources abroad, if it does not gain the ability to test its drones outdoors in the United States soon. The FAA has been extremely wary of commercial use of drones in the United States, and has so far not only restricted commercial use but put in onerous rules which require the piloting of drones only by licensed pilots, who must keep those drones in sight at all times.