This Amazon.com image shows a prototype of its Prime Air delivery drone which the company hopes to use to deliver packages to customers in as little as 30 minutes (UPI/Amazon). | License Photo

SEATTLE, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- It's apparently up, up and away for Amazon's air delivery fleet since the company is now advertising for a delivery drone pilot — and a flight safety manager.

The company first announced its intention to launch a drone delivery squadron — now dubbed Amazon Prime Air — a year ago. Only six weeks ago the FAA approved the first commercial uses for drones, giving the go-ahead to six companies to use camera-equipped drones on certain movie and TV sets. The move set the stage for an expected next wave of drone approvals in 2015 for industries from agriculture to media to online retailers.


Amazon hopes to soon test its "octocopters" to deliver small packages.

The pilot, or "flight operations engineer," Amazon is seeking for its endeavor will work with regulatory authorities, plan test flights and fly the craft, according to the job listing. Candidates should have at least five years of experience flying drones, and a pilot's certificate is among the "preferred qualifications" for the job.

Amazon is currently expanding its British research and development operations in Cambridge with a large research lab that will focus in part on developing the drone operation for Prime Air.