A new authorization permits two drone delivery companies to fly without any direct human observation, allowing them to skirt current rules around flights.
The FAA is lifting restrictions on drone delivery flights in Dallas-area airspace. [Courtesy: FAA]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA has authorized Zipline and Wing to conduct commercial drone flights without visual observers in Dallas-area airspace, a significant step towards normalizing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
This landmark decision allows the two companies to manage drone-to-drone interactions using their own UAS Traffic Management (UTM) systems under FAA oversight.
It marks the first time the FAA has recognized a third-party for safely managing drone interactions, aiming to make BVLOS operations more scalable and routine.
The authorization will provide critical data to inform a repeatable, nationwide expansion of BVLOS operations without requiring special exemptions.
The regulator on Tuesday authorized commercial drone flights without visual observers (VOs) in Dallas-area airspace for two companies: Zipline and Wing, the drone delivery subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet. The firms will manage the airspace themselves with FAA oversight.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
