Why the Tilted Kilt Decided to Use a Drone

People keep asking us why we wanted to use a drone to deliver some of our delicious wings.

We did it because we wanted to do a feasibility study to examine whether or not it was possible to do.

Say “drone,” and many people think “CIA-operated killing machine in the skies.” On the other hand, to many people a drone is a toy. Between those extremes, there’s a wide range of practical applications for drones.

The FAA’s position is clear, however: drones are aircraft, and for commercial use an aircraft must be certified and under the control of a certified pilot. That’s even if the drone flies no higher than 400 feet, the ceiling of the uncontrolled altitude the FAA calls “Class G airspace.”

In some regions, like Washington, D.C., the FAA’s rules are even stricter: drone flights — along with hang gliding, model rocketry, and most anything outside of government, airline, and some charter operations — are prohibited within a roughly 17-mile radius of Reagan National Airport.

Real estate agents, farmers, and even companies – like Amazon – have tried to use drones and have had them shut down. Recently, the FAA clarified that delivering packages using a drone isn't legal. Amazon wasn’t specifically mentioned, but the FAA seemed to suggest that Amazon — like every other business — falls under its regulations which already prohibits the commercial use of drones.

While we had a lot of fun with the drone – and it could be the way of the future – we’ve decided that for now, we’re going to be putting it away. We’ve decided to hold off because people really want to come in to Tilted Kilt for our killer service and beautiful women.