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 first for drone delivery services.
This approval allows Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations by permitting the companies to manage airspace themselves using UAS Traffic Management (UTM) technology with FAA oversight.
The authorization is a significant step towards normalizing and expanding BVLOS drone operations nationwide, with successful implementation expected to provide data for future widespread adoption.
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.
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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.
