by FSUKW » March 26th, 2015, 12:07 am
WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration is so slow to approve drone permits that the aircraft become obsolete while waiting, an Amazon executive told a Senate panel Tuesday
Paul Misener, vice president of global public policy at Amazon, told the aviation subcommittee that the company was grateful to the FAA for approving an experimental permit Thursday to test potential package deliveries. But the drone had become obsolete during the months-long wait, so the company applied again Friday for a new permit for an updated aircraft.
"We are hopeful that this permission will be granted quickly," Misener said.
The pace of FAA rule making has disappointed the drone industry, which argues that other countries are allowing drones — and their potential economic benefit — to develop faster.
In drafting rules released in February for small commercial drones weighing up to 55 pounds, the FAA has required one pilot per drone and required pilots to keep aircraft within sight. The FAA is collecting public comment on the proposal for small drones, and final approval is expected in 18 to 24 months.
Misener said the FAA proposal for small drones "doesn't go far enough." Amazon's proposed delivery service Prime Air would have sophisticated technology to avoid other aircraft, he said. But the aircraft will have to fly highly automated routes 10 miles or more beyond the sight of remote pilots, he said.
"This low level of government attention and slow pace are inadequate, especially compared to the regulatory efforts in other countries," Misener said.
FAA has maintained that safety is paramount for passenger planes and remotely piloted aircraft to share the skies. Key issues include how to avoid collisions and what happens when drones lose links to their remote pilots.
Margaret Gilligan, FAA's associate administrator for aviation safety, said an advisory panel is developing standards for detect-and-avoid technology and radio controls, which are expected in 2016.
"As proposed, the United States would have one of the most flexible (drone) regulatory frameworks in the world," Gilligan said of the rule for small drones.
In the meantime, FAA has approved more than 50 commercial drone applications, with several hundred more pending. The agency announced Tuesday it is streamlining the approval process by routinely granting applications for drones flying lower than 200 feet high during the day within sight of the remote pilot and at least 2 miles from an airport.
"The agency expects the new policy will allow companies and individuals who want to use (drones) within these limitations to start flying much more quickly than before," FAA said in a statement.
The Air Line Pilots Association, a union representing 50,000 commercial pilots, submitted testimony to the Senate hearing arguing that "it is vitally important that the pressure to capitalize on the technology not lead to an incomplete safety analysis of the aircraft and operations." The pilots said drones must be proven to identify and maneuver to avoid other aircraft.
The goal of Amazon's Prime Air is to deliver packages within 30 minutes by flying drones below 500 feet. Misener argued that overall safety will increase from fewer shoppers heading to the store and fewer delivery trucks on the road.
So far, Amazon roboticists, aeronautical engineers and a former NASA astronaut have been testing drones indoors in Seattle. But Misener said drones must be tested outdoors for flying in wind and turbulence, with different temperatures, humidity and precipitation.
Amazon is testing drones outdoors in the United Kingdom and other countries where the rules allow, although no countries allow drone deliveries, Misener said.
Misener urged the FAA to begin planning now for highly automated flights beyond what the pilot can see. Rules should be coordinated with European and other regulators, he said.
"Elevating the level and intensity of FAA participation in this group is one way the United States could confirm its commitment to (drone) technology and services," Misener said.