Merlin Labs tests AI-powered autonomous flight system in Cessna Caravan
By
Pete Muntean
Crispy enough to crunch, soft enough to enjoy. A good bake.
Summary
Merlin Labs is developing AI-powered autonomous flight systems for aircraft, demonstrated through a test flight of a Cessna Caravan where the AI handles all piloting tasks. The technology is being tested with the U.S. Air Force and aims to reduce pilot workload, improve safety, and eventually enable single-pilot operations for cargo and commercial aviation. While the system shows promise, the article notes that full autonomy faces regulatory, safety, and public trust challenges, and that AI is currently positioned as a co-pilot or assistant rather than a complete replacement for human pilots.
Key quotes
· 3 pulled"Let's see those jazz hands," jokes Tim Burns, chief technology officer at startup Merlin Labs, over the airplane's intercom from a back seat.
The AI is learning to fly airplanes — and aviation is starting to embrace it.
We're not trying to replace pilots. We're trying to give them superpowers.
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