Had Said It Would Go Overseas To Conduct Experiments If FAA Would Not OK Tests

The FAA has issued an experimental airworthiness certificate to an Amazon Logistics, Inc. unmanned aircraft (UAS) design that the company will use for research and development and crew training. The FAA typically issues experimental certificates to manufacturers and technology developers to operate a UAS that does not have a type certificate.

Under the provisions of the certificate, all flight operations must be conducted at 400 feet or below during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions. The UAS must always remain within visual line-of-sight of the pilot and observer. The pilot actually flying the aircraft must have at least a private pilot’s certificate and current medical certification.

The certificate also requires Amazon to provide monthly data to the FAA. The company must report the number of flights conducted, pilot duty time per flight, unusual hardware or software malfunctions, any deviations from air traffic controllers’ instructions, and any unintended loss of communication links. The FAA includes these reporting requirements in all UAS experimental airworthiness certificates.

Multiple media sources including Gizmodo online indicate that the Internet retail giant had indicated in an open letter to the government and the media that if it were not given permission by the FAA to conduct its tests, it would explore options in other countries.

The FAA apparently took notice, and granted the EAC ... but no one expects that it will lead to the delivery of small items via UAV to your door from Amazon anytime soon.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.amazon.com/b?node=8037720011