Google’s Wing Drone Delivery Service First To Get FAA Approval
2 min readGet ready for insanely fast shipping from Google. The search giant was the first company to be awarded FAA approval for a drone delivery service. That approval is a massive step in gaining the clearance needed to begin the process of drone deliveries. With this clearance, Google’s subsidiary Wing Aviation, LLC plans to begin operations in two rural communities in Virginia within two months. Though there will be a ground delivery service in the form of your regular vans and cars – with drivers who have the required qualifications (learn more here) to get your package delivered safely, the drone delivery system is sure to be a head-turner!
Gaining this approval essentially gives Google and Wing Aviation the same clearance that a smaller airline gets through the FAA and Department of Transportation. There are still a large number of hurdles before Google can begin a widespread rollout of its drone service, though. Current regulations don’t allow for flights over most urban areas. That alone will tremendously limit where Wings can operate. Still, this is exciting news as we’re one step closer to gaining access to full-time drone deliveries.
The next step in getting the green light to run a wider operation will be a much tougher one though. Google will now have to work with Government leaders and local elected officials to address privacy and safety concerns. That being said, any other company that was looking to obtain permission to begin drone delivery services now have a better shot. With Google gaining clearance, it’s only a matter of time before other companies join the mix.