Delivery drones expanding across US after slow start
WASHINGTON, Aug 12: Delivery drones are gradually becoming more common in the U.S., years after their promise first emerged. Despite the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approving drone deliveries over six years ago, strict regulations have limited the service to a few suburbs and rural areas.
A new FAA proposal could change that by allowing drones to fly beyond a pilot’s line of sight without needing special waivers or air carrier certification, potentially opening the door to nationwide expansion.
Companies like Walmart, Amazon, DoorDash, and Wing (a Google-owned drone company) are now expanding their drone delivery programs.
Walmart and Wing currently operate from 18 stores in Dallas and plan to expand to 100 more stores across cities like Atlanta, Houston, and Orlando by next summer. Amazon, which began Prime Air deliveries in Texas, is now scaling to cities including Phoenix, Dallas, and Kansas City.
Drones typically carry small, light packages—like ice cream, eggs, or candy—and offer rapid delivery. Wing’s drones carry up to 2.5 pounds, with a 12-mile range, while Zipline’s drones fly up to 120 miles with a 4-pound capacity.
Orders are packaged, loaded onto drones, and delivered via retractable cords. One pilot can monitor up to 32 drones at once.
While promising, drone delivery faces challenges: high costs (around $13.50 per delivery), limited cargo capacity, weather sensitivity, privacy concerns, and noise complaints. Still, drone companies argue that with improved technology and new regulations, drones can become more efficient and reliable.
Local businesses report increased order volumes where drones are used. In Frisco, Texas, one restaurant owner said drone deliveries are stable and sometimes more reliable than human drivers. Meanwhile, some residents appreciate the novelty, while others worry about surveillance and buzzing noise. Despite concerns, many experts and users believe drone delivery is approaching a tipping point—ready to expand into everyday American life, especially for small, fast, and local deliveries. (AP)