
That delivery drone is a step closer to reality.
Amazon
Someday soon, you may not be waiting for packages delivered by a truck — instead, they’ll come overhead, by drone. But they might look a little different from what you’ve seen before.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced new rules Monday for what it calls “unmanned aircraft” that weigh more than 0.55 pounds (or 0.25 kilograms) to operate around people during the day and night.
Among the new rules, the FAA said drones will need to broadcast their identification through a new system called Remote ID, which will help the government track both the drones and their base “control” stations. Drones operating at night will also need to have anti-collision lights and it must have no “exposed rotating parts” (like the flight blades) that could cut human skin. And those who manage the drones will need to have a drone pilot’s license with them whenever operating the aircraft.
“The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, in a statement. “They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.”
The new rules are the latest in a series of steps to solidify regulations around drone deliveries and flights around the US. Various parts of the US government have expressed concern about how drones could be misused, a concern heightened by a series of incidents where drones caused Gatwick Airport in London to shut down.
The new rules will go into effect in more than two years, but civilian drones offered for sale in the US must be equipped with ID broadcast technology in 18 months, according to the release. Existing drones will also need to be retrofitted with a beacon system, and all drones will need to comply with these rules in the next couple years.