Drone Deliveries
Commercial package and medical delivery operations using BVLOS-certified platforms.
Quick answer
Drone delivery is W-2 pilot work, not freelance. Pay is USD 70–110k base for Zipline/Wing pilots. Entry requires Part 107 + a successful application to one of ~6 active operators. There is no DIY pathway because Part 135 / BVLOS certs are operator-specific.
Typical Revenue
USD 4–25 per delivery (B2B), W-2 pilot USD 70–110k
Pricing Floor
USD 4 / delivery
Pricing Ceiling
USD 25 / delivery
Top jobs in this niche
- Medical / lab sample delivery (Zipline, Wing)
- Restaurant delivery (DoorDash, Wing)
- Last-mile retail (Walmart + DroneUp)
- Emergency med (Matternet)
Recommended equipment
Operator-specific platform (Zipline, Wing, DroneUp)
All deliveries are operator-owned, not pilot-owned
Commercial radio (147 MHz)
Coordination with operations center
Key regulations
- !Part 135 (air carrier)
- !BVLOS waiver / Type Certification
- !Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)
Certifications you need
- Part 107
- Operator-specific training (typically 4–8 weeks)
What top operators do differently
- W-2 employee of certified operator
- BVLOS observer skills
- FAA Part 135 ops compliance
Getting started checklist
- 1Part 107
- 2Apply to Zipline, Wing, Matternet, or DroneUp
- 3Pass operator-specific simulator training
- 4Be willing to relocate to an active operations zone
Frequently asked questions
Can I start my own drone delivery business?
Technically yes — but the path costs USD 1M+ and 18+ months for Part 135 + BVLOS waiver. 99% of pilots join an existing operator.