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 very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

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

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

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

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental 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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

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.