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

Sarah Baker

Planner

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

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.