Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) Founder Mike Atwood Honored with APSA Public Safety Award
The Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) has recognized Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) founder and CEO Mike Atwood with the prestigious Public Safety Award at this year’s APSCON convention in Orlando. Sponsored by MD Helicopters, this award highlights individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to airborne law enforcement safety.
Honoring a Lifetime of Commitment to Night Vision and Aviation Safety
“It was an honor to receive this award, but the real heroes are the men and women who use Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) daily to serve and protect our communities,” said Atwood. “It was great to reconnect with long-time customers, friends, and industry leaders.”
Since 1968, APSA has presented this award to members who have made significant contributions to public safety aviation. APSA, a non-profit organization, provides invaluable networking opportunities, educational seminars, and product expos to support the airborne law enforcement community.
Mike Atwood’s 43-Year Legacy in Night Vision Aviation
Atwood has spent over four decades advancing night vision technology through his work with the U.S. Army, Idaho National Guard, Idaho National Laboratory, and ASU. He accumulated nearly 2,000 flight hours using NVGs, starting with the first-ever approved night flight goggles, the AN/PVS-5 Cut-Away, and later advancing to the AN/AVS-6 Aviators Night Vision Imaging System and AN/AVS-7 ANVIS Heads-Up Display. As an AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter instructor pilot, he trained countless aviators in night vision safety and operations.
After retiring from the Idaho National Guard in 2000 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, Atwood continued his mission to enhance nighttime aviation safety. In 1995, he founded Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) with the vision of making NVGs accessible for civilian emergency medical services (EMS) operations. His efforts led to the FAA’s authorization of NVGs for EMS personnel in 1999, a milestone that has since benefited public safety agencies worldwide.
ASU’s Impact on Global Aviation Safety
“I want to thank the dedicated team at ASU who share my passion for safety. NVGs play a crucial role in nighttime operations, enhancing safety for law enforcement, EMS, air ambulance, and search and rescue missions,” Atwood stated. “This award belongs to everyone at ASU who has championed the use of night vision technology.”
ASU’s contributions to aviation safety include:
- Deploying over 5,000 NVGs in EMS operations worldwide
- Modifying aircraft lighting for nearly 1,500 aircrafts
- Providing NVG training for more than 6,000 pilots and crewmembers
A Legacy of Excellence in Airborne Public Safety
Mike Atwood’s impact on night vision aviation continues to shape public safety operations globally. His unwavering dedication to airborne law enforcement safety ensures that pilots, first responders, and emergency personnel can operate safely in low-light conditions, ultimately saving lives.
