Quote:
Originally Posted by DiapDealer
If you see drone-delivery in the same light as flying cars or personal jetpacks, I can see why you'd feel the way you do. I personally don't think they're comparable at all from a logistics or practicality standpoint.
Let me ask you this: has the FAA taken any real proactive steps to regulate the use of flying cars or personal jetpacks? Or to certify/license their operators?
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The two biggest uses for drones at the moment is as toys to be flown around like model airplanes and as camera platforms. They really don't have the payload to carry significant cargo. The major reason that the FAA has taken steps is that people like to fly camera mounted drones around in urban areas. It's the combination of peeping Toms and the risks of drones flying into things in the cities that lead the FAA to addressing the situation.
As delivery platforms, it's purely a novelty. Most drones that one sees have a lift capacity of around 2 to 4 pounds. There are heavy lift drones, though even then you are talking 10 lbs with a few that can carry 40 pounds. Most drones have a max flight time of 25 to 30 minutes. Heavy lift drones that can carry the 10-40 pounds are more in the 10-15 minute range. Then, of course, you need to stay in radio contact with the drone. For most drones, this is line of sight. Short flight time, low cargo capacity - I think that most can see the issues.
The military quality drones that have a long flight time and carry missiles are basically remote controlled airplanes and not suited to delivering packages, unless of course you are trying to blow something up.