Amazon unit withdraws from drone trade group, raises safety concerns

Amazon’s drone division Prime Air has left the Commercial Drone Alliance because of disagreements over drone safety rules. In a letter reported by Reuters, Amazon said the group’s position on important safety issues conflicts with Prime Air’s safety principles. The dispute focuses on a proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that would require drones to have detect-and-avoid systems capable of preventing collisions with aircraft that may not be broadcasting their position. The Commercial Drone Alliance opposes this requirement, arguing that aircraft flying below 500 feet should instead be required to broadcast their location using satellite-based technology or similar systems. Amazon said its own detect-and-avoid technology has already prevented two potential mid-air collisions during more than 70,000 drone flights, which it believes proves the importance of the system for safety. The alliance—whose members include companies like Skydio, Zipline, and Alphabet’s Wing Aviation—said it regrets Amazon’s departure but believes flexible, performance-based rules encourage safe operations while supporting innovation and competition. The FAA’s proposed regulations have not yet been finalized.