To become a drone delivery pilot, earn your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, build flight experience and aviation knowledge, then apply directly to delivery operators such as Amazon Prime Air, Wing and Zipline. These companies fly under FAA Part 135 air carrier certificates and train new hires on their own aircraft and procedures. Walmart doesn't fly its own delivery drones; partner companies run its drone deliveries, so you apply to them.
Who flies delivery drones in the US
The FAA lists these among the companies that hold Part 135 air carrier certificates for drone package delivery:
- Wing: received the first drone Part 135 certificate in 2019 and later became a standard Part 135 operator. Wing delivers for retail partners.
- UPS Flight Forward: the first company with a standard Part 135 certificate for drones, starting with medical deliveries.
- Amazon Prime Air: the first to fly a drone over 55 lb under a standard Part 135 certificate.
- Zipline: the first fixed-wing drone Part 135 operator; it delivers for health systems and retailers.
Walmart's drone delivery runs through partners such as Wing and Zipline. To work on those flights, apply to the partner company.
What delivery pilots actually do
Delivery drones fly largely automated routes, often beyond visual line of sight under FAA approvals. The jobs are usually:
- Remote pilot or flight operator: monitors one or more aircraft, handles exceptions and talks to the operations team.
- Field or hub operator: loads packages, swaps batteries, inspects aircraft and manages launch and landing.
- Maintenance technician: repairs and inspects the fleet.
- Operations and safety roles: dispatch, airspace coordination and safety management.
Expect shift work at a delivery hub, often outdoors.
Requirements
Each company sets its own, so read the posting. Common asks:
- FAA Part 107 certificate, or the ability to earn it quickly. See Part 107.
- Aviation knowledge: airspace, weather, radio phraseology. Manned pilot certificates or air traffic experience can help.
- Ability to pass background checks and, for air carriers, drug and alcohol testing programs.
- Comfort with software, checklists and procedures.
- Physical tasks like lifting packages and working outside, for hub roles.
How to stand out
- Pass Part 107 before you apply. A good course helps.
- Keep a log of your flight hours and aircraft types.
- Learn about BVLOS operations and waivers. See Part 107 waivers.
- Apply where operators are launching hubs; the FAA's environmental reviews for drone delivery have covered states including Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
The future of delivery jobs
Today, BVLOS delivery runs under Part 135 certificates, exemptions and waivers. The FAA's proposed Part 108 rule for routine BVLOS flight was still not final in early October 2026. When it is, expect more operators and more roles.
Information current as of October 2026. Check each company's careers page for current openings and requirements.
Interested in other drone careers? See how to find drone pilot jobs.
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