Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery service has begun operating in Richardson, a suburb north of Dallas, bringing rapid package delivery to the area but also generating significant noise complaints from local residents.
The service received zoning approval from city officials in December and clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate within a seven-and-a-half mile radius of the company’s distribution center, which is located less than a mile from some affected backyards.
The drones, which weigh up to 83 pounds and carry packages of five pounds or less, are visible to residents as they fly over neighborhoods. Eric Anderson, a local resident, described the sound as a high-pitched hum that grows louder as the aircraft approaches. He and his family, who were in their backyard pool, observed the six-armed drones buzzing over nearby houses.
Anderson noted that the noise has become a persistent issue for those living near the flight paths.
Scott Bratcher, president of a homeowners’ association in a neighborhood residents have termed a drone highway, stated that the proliferation of drones is a major problem. He criticized the government and the FAA for failing to address the concerns of residents.
In July, the FAA concluded that commercial delivery drones do not pose a significant environmental impact, though the agency indicated it will soon issue new rules for drone flight.