Maintenance and Modifications
Merlin Wins Part 145 Aircraft Maintenance Approval in New Zealand
Autonomous flight pioneer cleared to perform aircraft maintenance
Merlin's Cessna Caravan flies over New Zealand
© Merlin

New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has awarded Part 145 maintenance certification to Merlin, a Boston-based company developing autonomous flight technology for reduced-crew operations in military and commercial airplanes. The Part 145 certificate, which Merlin announced on April 3, authorizes the company to conduct aircraft maintenance for Part 121 and Part 135 operators in New Zealand. 

Merlin obtained its CAA Part 135 air operator certificate in February 2024, enabling it to begin commercial freight operations in New Zealand. For those Part 135 cargo operations, the company is flying ordinary airplanes to collect data that will inform the development of the Merlin Pilot autonomous flight control system. 

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