Amazon's Prime Air drone delivery service in Richardson, Texas, is facing backlash from local residents due to persistent noise. The project, approved last year, allows drones to operate within a 7.5-mile radius from a local distribution center, delivering packages weighing up to 5 pounds in as little as 30 minutes.
Residents report that drones fly over their homes frequently, with one individual recording 52 flights in a single day. Neighbors describe the sound as similar to a hovering swarm of bees or a lawnmower. While Amazon claims the noise is quieter than a passing car, residents argue that the constant frequency of flights is the primary issue affecting their quality of life.
Privacy concerns have also emerged, as residents worry about cameras on the drones capturing footage of their private property. Amazon confirmed that its systems record environmental data during delivery and landing but stated that access is restricted to authorized personnel. Residents can request to opt out of certain data recording features for their addresses.
Despite these local complaints, Amazon continues to scale its operations. The company plans to expand Prime Air to 500 towns and cities across the United States by the end of the year. This follows a previous service suspension earlier this year in Arizona, which occurred after two drones collided in mid-air.
