Amazon and Walmart drone deliveries spark noise complaints as services expand to hundreds of US cities

Amazon Prime Air and Walmart are expanding drone delivery services to nearly 500 US cities and towns, bringing low-altitude aerial noise to residential areas. Unlike steady traffic noise, the sudden whine of drone rotors is particularly noticeable and irritating to residents. Research shows people are especially sensitive to drone noise when they consider it novel, intrusive, or frequent. While delivery users may be less bothered, complaints are likely to grow as the sector expands. The FAA regulates commercial drones but delegates noise responsibility to operators and local leaders. UK-based startup Greenjets claims its enclosed propulsion system can reduce drone noise by at least two-thirds using slower rotor speeds and vibration-reducing materials.