Suffolk County, N.Y., Places Restrictions on Drone Use

Amazon is really getting serious about drones. The electronic commerce company suggested that an airspace be reserved for commercial drone flight during a NASA conference on Tuesday. The proposal, which pertained to Amazon Prime Air, suggested that a 200 to 400 foot air space be assigned for drones traveling at high speeds. Amazon’s proposal is conducive with NASA’s documented efforts to develop an air-traffic system for drones, known as the Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management system.

In other drone news, Suffolk County, N.Y.’s legislature decided to place restrictions on camera-carrying drones following a 15-2 vote on Tuesday. As a result of the vote, any person operating a camera-bearing drown will need a permit to fly the UAV over county buildings and parks, and will also need permission to fly the devices over county beaches during summer months. Also, a proposal brought to Chicago’s City Council would prevent drones from being flown within 5 miles of the Windy City’s airports should the measure be approved.