Fri, May 27, 2011
NVG Allows Pilots To Identify Hot Spots Unseen By Eyes
Alone
With operators from Australia to California already fighting
fires at night, Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) plans to offer
NVG firefighting training to meet the growing demand.
“There have been many devastating fires in North America
and throughout the world already this year,” said ASU founder
and President Mike Atwood.“Operators around the world are
fighting fires at night and it is critical that they receive
training to assure that their pilots and crew remain safe when
combating the elements.”
ASU has provided NVG training to many of those operators and
assisted with some initial proof of concept work in Canada. As a
Part 133 Certificate holder, ASU’s instructors have
experience conducting external load and fire fighting operations
and understand the complexities of safe fire fighting procedures.
The training by ASU provides belly tank helicopter pilots NVG
specific flight skills and knowledge to safely fill the tank and
procedures used to approach, attack and depart the fire line. The
NVG will allow pilots to see hot spots unable to be seen by the
naked eye. The course includes Part 61 NVG ground and flight
qualification training and Special Operations (Belly Tank fire
fighting) training, including a Part 133 endorsement, if required.
In addition to offering the training, ASU will also aid operators
seeking to meet night vision cockpit modification requirements for
their existing fleet of aircraft.
“Fighting fires is unlike any other operation and special
precautions need to be taken,” said ASU Chief Pilot Justin
Watlington. “Training pilots on the use of NVG equipment
before they face the fires enables them to become more prepared for
potentially dangerous situations and to successfully and safely
complete their work. Our Flight Instructors are prepared to train
operators at our location in Boise or at the operator’s
facility in their aircraft. ASU provides assistance in adapting a
customer’s existing Part 133 program to include NVG training
and operations. Our goal is to maximize their efficiency using the
night vision systems and assure their safety. Whether customers
need pilot training, aircraft modifications or recurrent training,
ASU is prepared to fulfill operators’ needs.”
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