FAA Approves Historic BVLOS Drone Deliveries in Dallas: Zipline and Wing Aviation Lead the Way

In a groundbreaking move for U.S. aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized commercial drone flights without visual observers in the Dallas area. This historic decision, the first of its kind in American aviation, sets the stage for expanded drone package delivery services nationwide.

Authorized companies, Zipline International and Wing Aviation, can now deliver packages while ensuring their drones maintain safe separation using Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) technology. Traditionally, drone pilots must maintain a visual line of sight with their aircraft. However, advancements in air traffic technology have made Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations feasible, bringing the industry closer to routine BVLOS flights. UTM technology allows companies to share data and flight routes with other authorized airspace users, facilitating the safe management of drone flights in shared airspace. Developed through industry consensus and accepted by the FAA, UTM services ensure high safety levels without overly burdensome regulations. All flights occur below 400 feet and away from crewed aircraft. Initial UTM-enabled flights are expected to start in August, with more authorizations to follow. Early tests began in 2023 with simulations and transitioned to live tests, where drones operated in separated airspace, safely conducting thousands of flights before receiving FAA authorization for shared airspace.

The implications extend globally, with organizations like the Global UTM Association (GUTMA) looking to the FAA’s implementation for their frameworks. This milestone signifies a major advancement in drone technology and paves the way for ubiquitous, efficient, and safe drone deliveries in the future.