FAA Approves First US Drone Delivery Company

Posted on 4/24/2019 by Lauren Scott

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Wing Aviation LLC as the first delivery drone operator in the US by certifying the Alphabet-owned company as a commercial airline.

The announcement came after months of implementing safety measures at the recommendation of the FAA. Before they could be certified as an airline, Wing was required to write safety manuals and training routines as well as develop a safety hierarchy. The process for commercial drone approval is expected to be significantly quicker for future companies, however, since the FAA has now established which guidelines drone companies must adhere to.

Wing, which began as an offshoot of Google, plans to start making deliveries to rural Virginia towns in the next few months. Currently, Wing has approval to deliver goods from local businesses to communities in Christiansburg and Blacksburg. However, Wing may be able to expand its services to other areas with the FAA’s approval.

Can Drones Transport Hazmat?

With the FAA’s approval for the first commercial drones, the next question on our minds is, “What can drones transport exactly?” For now, it seems drones won’t be carrying hazmat at least. According to the FAA’s Final Rule addition to the 14 CFR on June 28, 2016, “No carriage of hazardous materials” shall be permitted via drone.

So, if you see a drone overhead, rest assured that it won’t be carrying hazmat anytime soon.

IATA Training for Hazmat Air Shippers

If you need to ship hazmat by air, it seems a traditional airplane is still your best bet! Be confident you know the latest IATA DGR rules for hazmat air shipments at the Hazardous Materials Air Shipper Certification Workshop. Covering the latest IATA requirements, this workshop will help you build on your 49 CFR knowledge to master the unique, additional rules for hazmat air shipments.

Workshops are starting May 8 in Chicago, Dallas, Boston, and more! Can’t make the workshop? Check out all of your IATA air shipper options—like a 24/7 online course and a live, instructor-led webinar.

Tags: airplane, delivery, DOT, drone, drones, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, IATA, transportation

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.