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Amazon tests drones in BC

Amazon is testing drone delivery at a secret location in British Columbia.

The online shopping giant has set up several testing sites outside the U.S., including one in rural B.C., to avoid strict rules set by the Federal Aviation Authority.

Spokeswoman Kristen Kish declined to give any further details.

Transport Canada issued a one-year drone operating certificate to the online retailer in December.

The Special Flight Operations Certificate details “maximum altitudes, minimum distances from people and property, operating areas, and co-ordination requirements with air traffic services” the agency told CTV.

Amazon says Prime Air, its drone delivery system, will eventually be capable of getting packages to customers’ homes in 30 minutes or less.

The drones will be capable of travelling at more than 80 km/h, carrying packages weighing two kilograms, Amazon says.

“One day, seeing Prime Air vehicles will be as normal as seeing mail trucks on the road,” Amazon says on its website.

Transport Canada has had regulations for unmanned aerial vehicles since 1996. It issued 1,672 certificates for drones in 2014.

– with files from CTV Vancouver



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