MORRISVILLE – Food delivers by drone can begin “soon” in Holly Springs.
The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday granted approval to a proposal by Morrisville-based Causey Aviation Unmanned and partner Flytrex for the deliveries. The OK from the FAA was sought in April when the project was first announced.
Key to the delivery approval was validation of a self-triggered parachute recovery system from Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research, the companies said in an announcement. Thus the two firms become among the earliest to receive FAA approval for commercial drone delivery in an urban area. In the announcement, no specific launch date was set for start of the service other than “soon.”
Flight path for drone deliveries in Holly Springs. Photo provided by Flytrex and Causey Aviation.
“Regulation is crucial to the future of widespread drone delivery, both for safe operations and public acceptance, which is why we have been working diligently with the FAA to adhere to the highest standards of safety,” said Yariv Bash, CEO and Co-Founder of Flytrex, in a statement. “We continually strive to reach new heights when it comes to advancing commercial drone use around the world. That is why we are thrilled to have been chosen to work so closely with the FAA to help this pilot take off. This is just the beginning as we expand the possibilities of sky-bound delivery.”
The drones from Flytrex and operated by Causey Aviation pilots, will be permitted to operate along one predetermined route from a Kite Realty Group-owned Holly Springs Towne Center to Ting Park, the sports and recreation stadium in Holly Springs.
The Triangle is emerging as a hub not only for drone companies such as PrecisionHawk but other service delivery projects.
In March, WakeMed launched a pilot program for drone delivery of blood samples.
First in drones: WakeMed, partners kick off medical drone delivery program
“The flight route crosses over Route 55, and will fly primarily over unpopulated areas, avoiding flights over adjacent neighborhoods,” the companies explained.
“CAU Drone Delivery Operations for compensation under this provision will be conducted in accordance with Part 107 Rules and within Line of Sight of the Remote Pilot in Command.”
Causey and Flytrex are partnering with the Town of Holly Springs, the N.C. Department of Transportation and Kite Realty Group on the project.
