JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Merlin Achieves Key Certification Milestone for AI Flight Tech

August 11, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Merlin reaches Stage of Involvement 3 with New Zealand regulators.
Certification advances for autonomous flight system on Part 23 aircraft.
Milestone covers Flight Control Computer and Automated Communication System.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

This certification milestone may signal growing regulatory acceptance of AI-powered flight technology, which could accelerate the development of autonomous aircraft. The achievement suggests that Merlin's approach to building trusted autonomy in partnership with regulators may be a viable path forward for the industry.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Autonomous Flight System Advances Toward Civil Aviation Approval

Merlin has achieved a significant certification milestone for its autonomous flight system, reaching Stage of Involvement 3 with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand. The milestone advances the certification of its Merlin Pilot autonomy platform for Part 23 aircraft and brings AI-driven flight technology closer to operating within the framework of civil aviation. The certification effort is being conducted in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration under a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement, as reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: August 11, 2026

Companies Mentioned