What: Amazon will soon offer some of its first U.S. Prime Air drone deliveries to customers in Lockeford, California.

Why it is important: Prime Air will deliver packages weighing up to five pounds in less than an hour via drones, according to Amazon spokesperson Av Zammit. Once an order is placed, Amazon’s new MK27-2 drone will fly to the location, descend to the customer’s backyard, and hover at a “safe” height before releasing the package.

Benefits to Amazon delivering to a smaller community via drone. Yard space is readily available, providing a spacious drop-off point for packages. The efficiency of traditional van delivery, currently challenged by steep gas prices and a competitive labor market, is also limited in communities with low population density.

Regulatory clearance will be critical for Amazon’s drone delivery ambitions as it ramps up its operations in Lockeford and, eventually, to other areas of the country.

Amazon said it is working with the Federal Aviation Administration and local officials to obtain the necessary permissions to conduct deliveries in Lockeford. The FAA will review the plans to confirm operations abide by the National Environmental Policy Act, a regular procedure for advanced drone operations.

Amazon to start drone delivery in California