In a move that has left many scratching their heads and others dreaming of pizza delivery from the clouds, DoorDash has officially received a Part 135 air carrier certification from the FAA. Yes, you read that right! DoorDash is launching ‘DoorDash Air’ for commercial deliveries, and if you thought your food was getting to you fast before, just wait until it’s flying overhead!
The company says it plans to reveal later this year when the drones will start flying to customers. TechCrunch predicts that DoorDash will probably start with "limited pilot programs in which the unmanned aircraft will travel short distances while remaining within the line of sight of the operator."
Now, let’s break this down a bit. For those of you who might be wondering what a Part 135 certification even is (and let’s be honest, most of us are), it essentially means that DoorDash can operate as a commercial air carrier. This certification is typically reserved for companies that want to use aircraft for things like charter flights or air taxis. But apparently, DoorDash has decided that delivering your favorite burrito needs a touch of aviation flair.
You might be picturing drones zipping through the sky, dodging birds and bad weather, all while carrying your avocado toast. While that does sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, the details are still a bit fuzzy. DoorDash has yet to clarify whether they’ll be using drones, small aircraft, or possibly even hot air balloons for their new delivery method. Just imagine the conversation:
“What do you mean my food is in a hot air balloon?”
“Well, sir, it’s a new eco-friendly initiative!”
In any case, the thought of airborne deliveries is both exciting and slightly terrifying. Sure, it’s great that your food could arrive faster than you can say “where’s my order?” But let’s not forget the potential for some mishaps. I mean, how would you feel if your burger was literally dropped from the sky? Talk about a new definition of ‘fast food.’
On a more serious note, the implications of DoorDash Air could be massive. Imagine the efficiency that comes with aerial deliveries. In urban areas, traffic is a nightmare. You know that feeling when you’re just sitting there, staring at the red light, praying your food doesn’t get cold? With DoorDash Air, that’s a problem of the past! Unless, of course, the pilot gets lost and ends up delivering your food to the wrong city. “Sorry, I thought you ordered from the next town over!”
Of course, this innovation raises some eyebrows about safety and regulation. How will DoorDash ensure that their airborne delivery fleet operates safely? Will they have a fleet of trained pilots, or will they just strap a GoPro to a drone and call it a day? (Please, DoorDash, for the love of all things holy, don’t do the latter.)
As we await more details from DoorDash, one thing is for sure: the future of food delivery is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Will we soon be living in a world where we look up to the sky and see our dinner flying overhead? It’s a possibility that might make you reconsider your choice of takeout.
So, whether you’re excited or skeptical about DoorDash Air, one thing’s clear: the delivery game is about to get a major upgrade. Buckle up, folks; it’s going to be a bumpy ride (hopefully just figuratively) as we navigate this new era of food delivery. Who knows? Your next meal might just come with a complimentary view of the city skyline!
Inspired by: “DoorDash has received a Part 135 air carrier certification from the FAA, will launch "DoorDash Air"…” (r/technology)