FutureFlight
FutureFlight Weekly News Roundup
FutureFlight.aero's Weekly Advanced Air Mobility News Roundup
Merlin plans to convert existing aircraft to use its autonomous flight control technology.
Merlin plans to convert existing aircraft to use its autonomous flight control technology. (Image: Merlin)

Merlin Pilot Notches Regulatory Milestone in New Zealand

Autonomous flight pioneer Merlin says it has reached a milestone in its certification efforts with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA). According to the company, the CAA has concluded its review of the first stage of the process and approved Merlin's plan for software aspects of its Merlin Pilot system.

Merlin is a Boston-based company developing a “drop-in” autonomy kit for fixed-wing aircraft, including the Cessna Grand Caravan and DHC-6 Twin Otter, under supplemental type certificates. It is seeking to certify its Merlin Pilot concurrently with the CAA and FAA.