Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Drone Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wing and Walmart describe drone operations, range, payload and safety protocols
Summary
Wing and Walmart representatives briefed the commission on operations at the proposed Highland Village site, saying the current drone carries about 2.5 lbs, weighs about 11.7 lbs, has roughly a 6‑mile range and flies between ~100–400 ft; Wing emphasized FAA regulation of airborne operations and described safety features and retrieval procedures.
Company representatives presented technical and operational details for the proposed Walmart drone site. "My name is Erin Ragsdale and I'm here tonight on behalf of Walmart," Erin Ragsdale said, introducing the retailer's local digital coach.
Josh Bucci (Wing) provided technical specifics: "...can carry about 2.5 pounds, weighs about 11.7 pounds, goes about 60 miles an hour, and can go about 6 miles 1 way." Bucci said Wing has more than 600,000 flights to date in other metros, that typical flight altitudes range from roughly 100 to 400 feet, and that the company works closely with the FAA under higher‑level air‑carrier type certification processes.
On safety and failures, Bucci said drones are designed to return to the 'nest' if they lose GPS signal and that devices include markings and contact numbers so Wing can locate and recover a downed aircraft. On avoiding other aircraft, Bucci said drones have 'ping' devices and Wing will stand down when helicopters or other manned aircraft are present to prevent conflicts.
Bucci described site setup as lightweight and quick to deploy, with about two weeks of validation before commercial launch once approvals are secured.
