Amazon.com is inching closer to a future in which packages will be delivered by drone.
The online retail giant, which has been aggressively opening new distribution centers to shorten delivery times, was granted permission Thursday by the Federal Aviation Administration to test an unmanned aircraft design.
The “experimental airworthiness certificate” comes with restrictions:
• Drones must be flown during the day and at 400 feet or lower.
• The aircraft must stay within sight of the pilot and observer.
• The pilot must have, at minimum, a private pilot’s license and current medical certification.
• Amazon is required to give the FAA a monthly update with information including the number of flights conducted, unusual malfunctions and any loss of communication links.