The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) Contract 6973GH‑22‑D‑00076 to provide Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Pilot Training for FAA personnel.
FAA Selects ASU for Night Vision Training Leadership
“Winning this contract is a testament to the ASU team and our commitment to night vision training,” said ASU President Dr. Joseph Estrera. “Not only will we be training FAA employees on night vision helicopter operations, but ASU also holds the night vision training contract for fixed‑wing training.”
This award reinforces ASU’s position as a trusted leader in NVG flight training, NVG ground school instruction, and night vision helicopter operations.
Scope of ASU’s FAA Night Vision Training Program
Under the contract, ASU will deliver:
- Initial NVG ground school
- Recurrent NVG ground training
- NVG flight training for commercial helicopter‑rated FAA inspectors and pilots
Training begins late January 2023 and includes four optional extension years following the initial base year.
Training for FAA Flight Test Engineers
FAA Flight Test Engineers (FTEs) also participate in the program. Their training includes:
- Attending NVG ground school
- Observing NVG flight operations
- Evaluating aircraft instrument panel compatibility with NVGs
This hands‑on experience enhances the FTEs’ ability to assess night vision system integration and ensure safe, compliant NVG operations.
Why Boise Is Ideal for NVG Flight Training
Boise’s unique topography creates optimal real‑world training conditions for FAA personnel, including:
- Low‑light environments
- Remote geography
- Mountainous terrain
- Desert conditions
“Boise is an ideal place to conduct training,” said ASU Director of Operations Tony Tsantles. “Our goal is to make everyone safer by exposing them to the low‑light conditions that enable them to learn to use NVGs more effectively.”
A Proven Leader in NVG Training and Safety
ASU has trained:
- More than 3,000 pilots
- More than 4,700 crew members
ASU is also the only company approved to train both helicopter pilots and FAA inspectors in NVG use for both fixed‑wing and helicopter operations—demonstrating unmatched expertise in night vision flight safety.
