Residents of College Station, Texas, are urging the FAA to address the noise pollution caused by Amazon’s Prime Air delivery drones. As Amazon tests its MK-27 drones in the area, complaints about the incessant buzzing have escalated, with locals comparing the noise to “a hundred swarms of bees.” The disturbance has been particularly disruptive for night shift workers, including nurses, police officers, and firefighters.
Amazon, which began testing its drones in College Station after receiving FAA approval to fly beyond the visual line of sight in May, plans to expand these tests further. The company has requested FAA approval to increase delivery flights, extend operational hours, and introduce the quieter MK-30 drones. However, Mayor John Nichols of College Station has called on the FAA to delay these expansions until Amazon implements better noise reduction measures.
Meanwhile, Walmart has ceased drone deliveries in Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Tampa to focus on improving its service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
