Amazon are still keen on the drone delivery idea. They have unveiled their latest machine that they intend to try and make deliveries within 30 minutes of a particular site. The machine flies at 15mph, so that gives it a 7.5 mile range, give or take depending on weather conditions. It has collision avoidance, but crucially, does not get the backing of the US air regulator, who is insisting in 'line of sight of the pilot'. All the testing is being done in Canada, who I assume allows such reckless behaviour. Good job the US military don't have to comply with the rules.
I read that the UK is open to a more autonomous type of aircraft as long as it is within defined flying corridors. For me, I really can't see it happening within my lifetime there are so many factors to overcome, or am I being too negative? I can see the advantages of cost, speed and easing traffic congestion so there's no surprise that Amazon are pushing hard to get it implemented, but what about rival drones? Kids with remote controlled toys buzzing/hitting them? Birds? Mechanical/battery failure? Too risky for me.
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