Dayton-based drone logistics firm DEXA has achieved two pivotal regulatory milestones, positioning itself among a select group of companies authorized to scale autonomous delivery operations across the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration has granted DEXA Part 135 Air Carrier Certification, and the company’s proprietary DE-2020 hexacopter has been added to the Secretary of Transportation’s S-1 List of Approved Unmanned Aircraft Systems under Section 44807.
Part 135 certification is a crucial enabler for commercial drone services, as it authorizes Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for compensation. BVLOS capability allows drones to operate over extended distances without direct visual monitoring by a pilot, a necessity for broad geographic coverage. Beth Flippo, DEXA’s CEO, underscored the significance of the achievement: “This is a momentous achievement for DEXA. For a small company like ours to earn the same certifications as some of the largest corporations in the world is a true testament to our team’s innovation, dedication, and relentless pursuit of advancing drone logistics. We began this journey through the IPP and BEYOND programs, and we are proud to continue advancing toward full Type Certification. Working alongside the FAA throughout this process has been an incredible experience, and we are deeply grateful for their collaboration in shaping the future of autonomous delivery.”
The DE-2020’s inclusion on the S-1 List affirms its airworthiness, granting DEXA the ability to operate without dependence on third-party aircraft. The hexacopter is manufactured in the United States and designed specifically for logistics applications, integrating safety, reliability, and sustainability into its architecture. Russell Kline, DEXA’s Chief Regulatory Officer, emphasized the operational impact: “Being named to the S-1 List is an important milestone and a significant achievement. As the manufacturer of a certified and airworthy sUAS, we can now scale our delivery operations nationwide more efficiently, without relying on third-party aircraft. This is a powerful step forward in our journey to lead the drone delivery revolution.”
The DE-2020’s design reflects a blend of engineering priorities. Its hexacopter configuration offers redundancy in lift capability, enhancing safety in case of rotor failure. Advanced autonomous flight systems enable precise navigation and obstacle avoidance, while onboard diagnostics monitor system health in real time. The platform’s sustainability profile—reduced road traffic and lower emissions—aligns with growing environmental expectations in logistics.
With regulatory clearance secured, DEXA is preparing to expand its 15-minute delivery service footprint. Through its DEXA NOW mobile application, the company currently delivers groceries, essentials, and convenience items to local communities. The streamlined ordering process integrates with autonomous dispatch and routing algorithms, minimizing delivery times while optimizing drone utilization.
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, DEXA designs and manufactures its aircraft in-house, an approach that affords tighter control over quality assurance and system integration. This vertical manufacturing capability also facilitates rapid iteration of hardware and software, enabling the company to adapt to evolving regulatory frameworks and operational demands.
Part 135 certification and S-1 List approval place DEXA alongside industry leaders such as Amazon Prime Air, Google Wing, and Zipline—companies that have invested heavily in scaling unmanned aerial delivery. The distinction is notable given DEXA’s comparatively smaller size, underscoring the role of focused engineering and regulatory engagement in advancing autonomous logistics.
The company’s trajectory has been shaped by participation in the FAA’s Integration Pilot Program (IPP) and its successor, BEYOND, both aimed at accelerating safe UAS integration into the national airspace. These initiatives provided opportunities to test BVLOS operations, refine safety protocols, and collaborate with regulators on emerging standards.
“Our goal has always been to revolutionize delivery,” Flippo stated. “Now, with Part 135 certification and S-1 List approval, we’re ready to scale up, onboard new retail partners, and make drone delivery a daily convenience for consumers everywhere.”