The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published a notice about a petition from Merlin Labs, Inc. requesting an exemption from specific regulations. They are seeking permission to fly two modified Cessna 208B planes over populated areas for research and development of a new autopilot system. The test flights are to take place at Laurence G. Hanscom Field Airport and will not involve unmanned or optionally piloted aircraft. Comments on the petition are welcome until February 10, 2025.
Simple Explanation
The FAA is thinking about giving Merlin Labs special permission to fly two planes in a special way to help make a new pilot-helper system. They want to hear what people think about this idea by February 10, 2025.