FAA public comment extended: Amazon looks to expand services, introduce new drone

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – The deadline for a public comment submission period to the Federal Aviation Administration regarding an expansion to Amazon Prime drone operations in College Station has been extended.

This submission isn’t just for residents and neighbors of the facility but also for potential customers and area leaders. Thursday night, the College Station City Council will discuss how the city could draft a group submission. For years now, residents have been outspoken about their dissatisfaction with the program so close to their homes.

Located at 400 Technology Parkway, just behind College Station Hyundai and Foxfire Subdivision, the Amazon Prime Air Facility is currently home to multiple MK27-2 drones and a packaging facility. Residents have shared complaints that the drones are loud, even comparing them to flying lawnmowers. Amazon has been teasing the idea of an upgraded drone since the idea was brought to the council in 2022. According to a proposed change to their current operations, this could become a reality.

To achieve an expansion of nearly 230% growth in operations yearly, Amazon is hoping its new drone will be the solution. MK30, which Amazon says has a reduced noise profile, would double the operating distance packages could be delivered from 3.7 miles to 7.5 miles. Including the use of its original drone, Amazon would increase operation days from 260 to 365.

The FAA is hoping to receive comments from community members before approving the amendment to Amazon’s operations. Submission information can be found here. Information on proposed changes can be found here. Submissions must be made via email or received by mail by July 12.

A recent change was made that allows Amazon Prime Air to deliver further than the FAA previously allowed. A line-of-sight requirement has been removed, allowing operators to fly the delivery drones without maintaining eye contact with the equipment.