Amazon's Prime Air Drones Spark Noise Controversy in Texas Town
Amazon’s Drone Delivery Program Faces Noise Complaints in Texas Test Market
Amazon’s ambitious drone delivery program, Prime Air, is encountering turbulence in its primary testing ground of College Station, Texas. Residents have raised concerns about the noise generated by the drones, adding to the challenges already facing the program.
John Case, a semi-retired orthodontist in College Station, describes the drone noise as a persistent disturbance in his neighborhood. “They’re a common sight and sound here,” Case notes, highlighting the impact on nightshift workers and general quality of life.
The noise complaints come amid other hurdles for Amazon’s drone delivery service, including regulatory challenges, missed deadlines, and recent layoffs. While College Station remains the main testing site, Amazon has shuttered operations in Lockeford, California, and is seeking approval to begin deliveries in Tolleson, Arizona.
Community concerns have reached local government, with College Station Mayor John Nichols writing to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about residents’ noise complaints. This comes as Amazon proposes increasing deliveries to 469 flights per day and extending operating hours.
At a recent city council meeting, resident Ralph Thomas Moore dramatically illustrated the drone noise level by playing a chainsaw recording. City officials have conducted their own tests, measuring Prime Air drone noise between 47 and 61 decibels, significantly lower than the 125 decibels of a chainsaw or the 95 to 110 decibels of heavy equipment, as measured by OSHA.
Despite these concerns, Amazon maintains that Prime Air aims to provide a quicker, more cost-effective last-mile delivery solution. In May, the company received FAA approval to fly drones over longer distances without ground observers, marking a significant step forward for the program.
Residents like Amina Alikhan have likened the drone noise to a persistent fly, with many complaining about disruptions to both outdoor and indoor activities. Some have noted that drones often fly lower than the promised 400 feet altitude.
In response to these concerns, Amazon plans to introduce a quieter drone model, the MK30, designed to reduce noise by half. The company has also held meetings with residents, indicating plans to potentially move operations out of College Station by October 2025 and explore alternative drone sites.
City council member Bob Yancy has proposed relocating the drone port to a former Macy’s store site, while Amazon plans to integrate Prime Air into its same-day delivery network, starting in Phoenix.
As the situation develops, Yancy acknowledges the convenience of Prime Air but emphasizes the need for quieter drones or relocation. “The technology is fantastic,” he says, “but it’s currently in the wrong location.”
