Drones?

Have you ever seen a FedEx airplane flying to deliver packages? Well soon these gigantic airplanes may be replaced by a smaller, sleeker version. Amazon.com is in the process of developing an unmanned flying machine that would deliver requested items directly to the customer’s house. While revolutionary, there are several obstacles to be overcome before the idea could be put into practice.

 The Federal Aviation Administration has strict drone policies in place with only small drones like children’s toys being able to fly and a complete ban on commercial drone use. Even though there are policies banning commercial drone use, there are cases in review by the Supreme Court the will discover if the FAA has the authority to make such personal infringements. Security threats from people hacking the drones are a major factor in the resistance to drone use. Privacy is a huge reason why drones in general are not accepted. Being able to hover outside a window is a huge concern for lawmakers when deciding about the future of drones.

Besides being banned for commercial use, there is the all-important matter of making them work. Drone and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology go hand in hand, but scientists are still trying to work out the kinks. A drone starting from the Amazon warehouse would have to get extremely accurate co-ordinates sent down from space to know where to drop shipments. On top of having to know where to deliver goods, the drones have to be able to get there intact. Avoiding power lines, buildings, and people are things that Amazon will have to work on before a drone can even begin to deliver merchandise. Amazon has released an optimistic plan that puts drones on schedule for operation in five years.

Right now you have to rely on the postal service or FedEx, but soon drones may fill the skies. Depending on court rulings and development in drone technology, Amazon drones back from a major profit.