How can delivery drones cooperate with VLOS rules?

[BSauce955]

So, I've always heard the rules about VLOS but doesn't delivering drones directly contradict those rules. I mean, you can't keep a drone in sight unless you have a human operator follow the drone. Also, you obviously can't use the camera. I've heard that they're piloted by AI, which, while somewhat similar to a human, isn't the same. So how is it possible for delivery drones to be a thing?

 

[BigAl07]

FAA Waivers . . .

 

[Kilrah]

VLOS rules are just the default Joe Average has to respect - if a company has a case for something else they can always go see the FAA, discuss things and set up a framework for a specific exemption that will be under determined conditions.

 

[BigAl07]

So, I've always heard the rules about VLOS but doesn't delivering drones directly contradict those rules. I mean, you can't keep a drone in sight unless you have a human operator follow the drone. Also, you obviously can't use the camera. I've heard that they're piloted by AI, which, while somewhat similar to a human, isn't the same. So how is it possible for delivery drones to be a thing?

There is an existing thread here where a company who is actually a Delivery Drone company is talking about this. Start at this point and you can read their input:

Zing Drone Deliveries (Really?)

After all the hype for using our Mavic's to deliver hot coffee they seem to have upped it to needing an Inspire to deliver a hot mic or sandwich:

mavicpilots.com

 

[BSauce955]

There is an existing thread here where a company who is actually a Delivery Drone company is talking about this. Start at this point and you can read their input:

Zing Drone Deliveries (Really?)

After all the hype for using our Mavic's to deliver hot coffee they seem to have upped it to needing an Inspire to deliver a hot mic or sandwich:

mavicpilots.com

Wow, I didn't think it would have been discussed already. I felt smart for bringing up such a monumental obstacle. Well, this thread needs deletion then, my questions have been answered.

 

[tlswift58]

So, I've always heard the rules about VLOS but doesn't delivering drones directly contradict those rules. I mean, you can't keep a drone in sight unless you have a human operator follow the drone. Also, you obviously can't use the camera. I've heard that they're piloted by AI, which, while somewhat similar to a human, isn't the same. So how is it possible for delivery drones to be a thing?

The drones the military uses - large and small - don't adhere to VLOS. Waivers, as mentioned will be needed for sure and HOPEFULLY the FAA may relax the VLOS issue a bit - yet I'd not expect or hope for flying 5 miles downrange for us. VLOS and flying in mountains and such are a Catch-22. (Mod Removed Language) if you, (Mod Removed Language)if you don't. Expecting a pilot to keep an eye on the drone flying among forests, mountains, and other such things is hard to fathom, but we must do it as best as possible - it's the rule.

 

[NG Wildman]

Good answers here. Many of the delivery videos I have seen have a monitor of the drone at the company's airstrip and the drones usually fly a prepared flight path with obstacle avoidance package deployment system so they do not have to land. My question is about other manned aircraft in the area like the warning we get on some of the Mavics. Will they be required to hover or decrease altitude while the manned aircraft passes?

 

[Kywon McCain]

They get FAA waivers. I think Walmart is starting a drone delivery service. Pretty cool huh? Long time no see