Amazon Unveils New Plans for Designated Drone Flying Zone

Amazon (AMZN) is campaigning for its own drone zone. The online retailer has unveiled a proposal to designate a space of air 200 to 400 feet from the ground for high speed delivery drones. For safety, the company also wants a 100 foot buffer zone to be set aside as a no-fly zone that will divide the drones from regular aircraft. Amazon's vision included drone tracking capabilities and interaction between drone traffic within the low altitude flying area. The plan would limit recreational drone flyers to under 400 feet. The delivery giant presented its latest plans at the NASA UTM convention in California, which is represents unmanned aerial systems and their traffic management. The Federal Aviation Administration has only just eased its restrictions on Amazon's test delivery drone flights earlier this year. Amazon has been vocal in its aspirations to use drones for under 30 minute package deliveries. The Aviation Administration is taking tentative steps towards commercial drone regulations. At present, the rules would not allow long distance delivery and don't permit drones to be used within 5 miles of airport facilities.