I can't use a drone to take pictures of a house for my business but they will be able to send out a fleet of drones? I should be used to this by now.

This is another "Google Glass". The problem with Google is that they are so used to ignoring laws that they think they'll get away with it ad infinitum.

The Google is everywhere!

The problem with Google is that they are so used to ignoring laws that they think they'll get away with it ad infinitum.

Not quite sure how that applies here as Google is not the only company planning drone deliveries, and i'm pretty sure the authorities would not permit commercial drone services without authorisation, or meeting current regulations.

The current regulations haven't caught up with the technology, just yet, and the commercial businesses wanting to experiment with drone deliveries are being thwarted by the rules.

There was an interesting test run where medical supplies were flown by drone, but it wasn't google, or Amazon, it was a small company wanting to prove the value and efficacy of the service. [fortune.com...]

There is an organisation called the Small UAV Coalition [smalluavcoalition.org...] which includes Amazon, Google, and others, aimed at working together to help change existing regulations.

Personally, i'm not really too sure about the benefits for home delivery, for all kinds of reasons, but i can see how it could help in saving lives, and in some commercial uses. The example of the medical supplies is a good one.

Google has yet to expand upon its plans, and Amazon, and others, will probably be looking at some aspect of speeding delivery.

Currently, i'm more concerned about the proliferation of drones in use by private individuals that have absolutely no idea what they are doing. Note - there are many responsible drone owners that do know the rules, and abide by the laws of the land, and fly drones responsibly, but, currently, anyone can buy a drone and use as they wish. There are going to be many insurance claims, i'm sure, for damage to possessions and property as users, and their drones run into problems.

We have laws here in the UK about flying anything. Drones have to stay within line of sight of the operator and there is a whole stack of other rules applying to proximities to people and places. The propositions put forward by Google and Amazon are completely unacceptable under current legislation, thank heavens.

Trying to get the air filled with drones, particularly at a time of international terrorism, is completely irresponsible.

I've actually been a flyer for several years (RC Helicopters), the new technology makes it TOO easy to fly quads (self leveling, GPS, etc). It puts a possibly lethal device in the hands of people that think they "have it mastered" after a couple of flights.

I think "some" of the registration rulings will help alleviate "most" of the knuckleheads, along with certain flight restrictions (altitude max, etc). It's been a great hobby, but as always a few rotten apples spoil it for everyone..

... and it occurs to me that the delivery services could very well become a "Skeet shooting, with prizes" national pastime... 8-)

hehehe, the skeet shooting, Terabytes, is one of the topics we had in foo, but yes, it could be, especially if it becomes a nuisance, through noise and safety concerns.

This whole thing is breaking new ground, and until the regulations are agreed it's difficult to say how commercial operators will end up using them.

superclown2, I found this for the UK "Guidance on flying drones and unmanned aircraft" [caa.co.uk...]
It seem pretty straightforward.

It'll be difficult to deliver goods if you can't see the drone at all times. It'd be cheaper to deliver by hand. Perhaps G should investigate bicycles instead.