Residents of College Station, a Texas suburb where Amazon is currently testing its delivery drones, have voiced their concerns over the noise generated by the aerial vehicles. The issue has prompted the mayor of College Station, John Nichols, to write a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expressing his objections.

College Station, located approximately 100 miles northwest of Houston, was chosen as a testing ground by Amazon for its ambitious Prime Air program. The company aims to perfect technology that would allow drones to deliver products to customers within one hour of placing an online order. However, some residents in neighborhoods adjacent to Prime Air's facility compare the sound of the drones to that of a "giant hive of bees."

Mayor John Nichols, in his letter to the FAA, acknowledged the concerns raised by residents regarding the noise levels, especially during take-off and landing as well as during delivery operations. Nichols' letter was written in response to Amazon's request to expand its pilot program from 200 to 469 delivery flights per day.

Amazon's request also includes seeking permission to operate the drones from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., extending the delivery area to a radius of 174 square miles from the current 44-mile range, and allowing take-offs and landings of up to 940 drones per day. These drones would deliver packages weighing no more than five pounds.

Residents, such as John Case, have voiced their frustration, describing the buzzing sound of the Amazon drones as a constant nuisance. Case stated that the noise is often loud enough to wake up nurses, firefighters, and police officers returning home after working overnight shifts.

In an attempt to address the concerns, College Station residents have approached local lawmakers and presented evidence of the noise levels generated by the drones. At a city council meeting in June, a resident living near the launch pad played a recording of a chainsaw to illustrate the intensity of the noise. Ralph Thomas Moore, who played the recording, emphasized the impact on personal space and urged city council members to intervene in Amazon's expansion plans.

To assess the noise levels, the city conducted its own audio test, finding that the drones produced decibel readings ranging from 47 to 61, significantly lower than the typical noise level of chainsaws at 125 decibels.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos initially announced plans for drone delivery through Prime Air in 2013, with the goal of delivering packages within 30 minutes. Two years later, the FAA granted permission for drone testing with certain conditions.

Although Amazon has faced challenges in gaining momentum with its drone program due to cost-cutting measures implemented by Bezos' successor, Andy Jassy, the company remains committed to advancing the technology. In April, Amazon abandoned its drone testing site in Lockeford, California, for undisclosed reasons and is now seeking to commence testing in Tolleson, Arizona.

In response to the concerns raised by College Station residents, an Amazon spokesperson told CNBC that the company appreciates the community's feedback and takes it into consideration when making operational decisions. The spokesperson emphasized that Amazon is proud of the numerous deliveries made and the satisfaction of its customers.

As Amazon continues to engage with the community and regulatory bodies, the issue of drone noise in College Station remains ongoing, raising questions about striking a balance between technological innovation and the wellbeing of residents.