Drone delivery rules setback for Amazon

Amazon’s plans to deliver parcels to customers’ doorsteps using drone technology have been dealt a severe blow.

The US aviation regulator proposed rules for commercial drone flights that would lift some restrictions but would still bar activities such as the delivery of packages and inspection of pipelines that have been eyed by companies as a potentially breakthrough use of the technology.

The long-awaited draft rules from the Federal Aviation Administration would require unmanned aircraft pilots to obtain special pilot certificates, stay away from bystanders and fly only during the day.