Parcel deliveries by drone get nearer

Author: EIS Release Date: Feb 26, 2020

Parcel deliveries by drone are a step nearer with the CAA starting tests in February for the use of drones beyond an operator’s line of sight, which is currently illegal.

 

“Enabling everyday drone flying beyond visual line of sight is a game changer, providing the opportunity for unmanned vehicles to monitor critical infrastructure, make deliveries and support our daily lives in an efficient and environmentally friendly way,” says David Tait of the CAA.

 

The testers “will monitor semi autonomous drones being flown 50 miles away, initially carrying out inspections on construction sites,” says the CAA.

 

The CAA has already stated an aspiration to make unmanned drone flights an “everyday occurrence”.

 

 

As well as delivering parcels, use cases are long-distance aerial surveys of infrastructure and construction and surveying accident and crime scenes.

 

At the moment, drone owners cannot fly above an altitude of 400ft and have to keep the aircraft within their direct line of sight so it does not collide with other aircraft.

 

Sees.ai will do the testing using a DJI S900 drone.