From Buzzfeed:
A Senate committee will hold a hearing early next year to explore the potential economic impact of private companies using drones, including Amazon’s proposed drone delivery program, BuzzFeed has learned.
An aide to West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said the hearing was in the works before Amazon CEO Jeff Bezo’s Sunday night announcement that the company plans to use drones to make deliveries.
“Amazon’s plans for using drones to deliver packages is just one example of the potential this technology offers consumers, and a reflection of the ingenuity of American business,” Rockefeller said. “As we move forward toward integrating drones into civilian life and capitalizing on the economic opportunities they offer, we must make certain that these aircrafts meet rigorous safety and privacy standards. I plan to hold a hearing early next year to explore the potential economic benefits of unmanned vehicles in our airspace as well as the potential risks they may create.”
Comments
In any way GOOD PROMOTION =)
Lets hope tech companies really lean on that committee with sensible proven systems. Stuff that folks in other parts of the world use day to day. Taking half baked plans will not work.
I suspect the FAA will select one of these projects to be the 2017 first civil trial south of cold bits.
Best news for drones in a long time. If Tech takes over advocacy from DoD we have a chance at a real industry.
thought he already owned an airline!
They don't get interested unless it's some huge corporation that can contribute huge revenue, or contribute campaign funds to somebody on their team. When it's ordinary people, who might be able to make a job for themselves and stay off the dole, they're deaf.
Well, if we get Lithium Air batteries because of this... go amazon!
Yes, of course we are simple mortals... but millions other peoples on the ground, with our drones flying over their heads, are also.
I'm flying (fixed wing) for aerophotogrametry purposes day by day, for almost two years.
If Amazon drones are 10% similar of the almost drones flying around the world, FAA and others will not allow these flights.
IMO.
Ok, ok... I see Jeff Bezos announcements etc...
But, WTF, this serious???
Many stupid actions caused lives... This one though climbing the charts.