Merlin Pilot reaches SOI 3 in New Zealand certification programme

Aug 6, 2026 · Regulatory · Merlin · Avionics

Merlin achieved Stage of Involvement 3 with New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority for the Merlin Pilot flight-control computer and automated communication system.

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  • SOI 3 confirms that the software has been tested and verified against the requirements agreed for the Part 23 certification programme.
  • Merlin and the regulator also concluded an issue paper defining the certification approach and evidence required for AI/ML-based natural-language processing.
  • The programme is being conducted with CAANZ in coordination with the U.S. FAA under a bilateral aviation-safety agreement.

Merlin develops the Merlin Pilot aircraft-autonomy system, combining flight-control computers, deterministic safety-critical software and automated air-traffic communication for civil and military aircraft.