Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
“This certification demonstrates the high regard in which Merlin is held by regulators, underscoring both our credibility and our commitment to implementing autonomy in a way that upholds the industry’s high safety standards,” said Grant Crenfeldt, CEO of Merlin’s New Zealand subsidiary. “Obtaining this certification is not just about maintaining aircraft—it also demonstrates our commitment to lead aviation innovation, paving the way for a future in which our skies are safer and more resilient.”
In 2023, Merlin <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-05-25/merlin-extends-autonomous-flight-trials-new-zealand">opened a test facility at Kerikeri</a> in the Far North District of New Zealand’s North Island to support its development and certification efforts. It partnered with Freightways New Zealand to fly cargo to rural communities in the region while simultaneously collecting data for the Merlin Pilot.&nbsp;
Merlin aims to make the Merlin Pilot available for retrofit under supplemental type certificates for a variety of legacy aircraft, including the Cessna Grand Caravan, Beechcraft King Air, and Twin Otter. It is seeking bilateral approval from the CAA and the U.S. FAA for the supplemental type certificates that will allow it to begin Merlin Pilot installations.
It has been working with the U.S. Air Force to test reduced-crew capabilities in the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-11-12/usaf-approves-merlins-airworthiness-plan-autonomous-kc-135">KC-135 Stratotanker</a> and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2022-07-14/merlin-labs-raises-105-million-partners-us-air-force-autonomous-flights">C-130J Super Hercules</a> transport aircraft. The company says its roadmap includes a subsequent Merlin Pilot-equipped F-16 fighter jet.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Merlin Obtains Part 145 Aircraft Maintenance Certificate in New Zealand

Autonomous flight pioneer cleared to perform aircraft maintenance

New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority awards Part 145 maintenance certification to Merlin, advancing its plans for autonomous cargo flights in the country.

Merlin Wins Part 145 Aircraft Maintenance Approval in New Zealand

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Malaysian maintenance provider can now do more extensive diagnostics and repairs

ExecuJet MRO Services Expands Support for Global Engines

Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Software is for MRO facilities and continuing airworthiness management organizations

Team Targets Fatigue Management for Aircraft Mx Techs

Jessica Reed

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

LT-2400 enables verification of system integrity before scheduling formal inspections

AIR Quality Training Introduces Pitot-static Leak Tester

Facility is the company’s tenth and will be joined by one in Sydney

Bombardier Adds Line Maintenance Station in Perth

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

MRO’s technicians will perform quick-turn repairs and troubleshooting 

Elevate MRO Partners with JSX for Light Maintenance

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Work on the wing, cabin, and landing gear was conducted during a 2C inspection 

Falcon 900EX Upgraded with Extensive Mods in South Africa

Curt Epstein

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

In this article

Merlin

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ExecuJet MRO Services Expands Support for Global Engines

Malaysian maintenance provider can now do more extensive diagnostics and repairs

Team Targets Fatigue Management for Aircraft Mx Techs

Software is for MRO facilities and continuing airworthiness management organizations

AIR Quality Training Introduces Pitot-static Leak Tester

LT-2400 enables verification of system integrity before scheduling formal inspections

Bombardier Adds Line Maintenance Station in Perth

Facility is the company’s tenth and will be joined by one in Sydney

Elevate MRO Partners with JSX for Light Maintenance

MRO’s technicians will perform quick-turn repairs and troubleshooting

Falcon 900EX Upgraded with Extensive Mods in South Africa

Work on the wing, cabin, and landing gear was conducted during a 2C inspection

Enstrom Adds to Service Network in Ontario, Canada

Heli-Lynx is now an authorized maintenance provider

Gogo Obtains PMA for Galileo HDX Broadband Antenna

STC work will be underway for installation on 30 aircraft types of all sizes

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