Package loading mechanism

A system for payload retrieval comprising:

• a payload retrieval apparatus comprising:
• a channel having a first end and a second end;
• a first extension that extends in a first direction from the first end of the channel, wherein the first extension is configured to direct a tether extending from a UAV and a payload retriever attached to an end of the tether towards the first end of the channel;
• wherein the second end of the channel has a payload engaging member adapted to secure a payload;
• wherein the system is configured to cause the UAV to pick up the payload with the payload retriever while maintaining flying;
• and
• wherein the channel includes a tether slot that extends from the first end of the channel to the second end of the channel, the tether slot configured to guide passage of the tether coupled to the payload retriever when the payload retriever is passing within the channel.

A method of a retrieving a payload with a UAV, comprising:

• positioning a payload having a handle with an aperture on a payload engaging member coupled to a channel on a payload retrieval apparatus;
• causing a UAV having a payload retriever attached to a tether suspended from the UAV to position the tether to come into contact with a first extension extending from an end of the channel;
• causing the UAV to advance the tether into a tether slot positioned on a top of the channel, wherein the tether slot has a width that is narrower than a width of the payload retriever;
• causing the UAV to advance the payload retriever into the channel;
• causing the UAV to advance the payload retriever until the payload retriever engages the handle of the payload;
• and
• causing the UAV to pick up the payload by the payload retriever thereby disengaging the payload from the payload engaging member.