(BOISE, IDAHO) Aviation Specialties Unlimited, Inc. (ASU), a trusted provider modifying aircraft for civil and military night vision operations for more than 25 years, received notification from EASA that ASU has obtained STCs for the Bell 212, 412, AB212, AB412, and 412EP under a single EASA STC 10078190. The original STC from the FAA is SR01634SE.
Because of ASU's proven history with the FAA and EASA, ASU's Company Test Team can save customers time and money when navigating STC requirements for aircraft modifications for both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
"Our test team collaborated closely with the FAA and EASA for years," said ASU Vice President of Business Development and experienced instructor pilot Chad St. Francis. "Alex and Kip's experience allowed ASU to streamline the approval process, saving our customers from critical downtime and delays."
ASU's Chief Pilot Alexander Emmel, performing duties as an FAA and EASA Cat II Test Pilot, and Vice President of Aircraft Services Kip McDermott are both working on separate DER designations. They worked hand-in-hand with EASA to ensure everything was properly tested, documented, and certified to obtain the essential STC.
The STC for these aircraft was critical for ASU's partner, Global Helicopter Service, to equip their fleet for nighttime peacekeeping missions worldwide. Last year, ASU also obtained a similar STC on the H225 for United Nations missions in Africa.
"Saving our customers time and money is vital to getting them back to their peacekeeping missions," said Emmel. "ASU's mission is to help helicopter operators fly safely using NVGs. We can think of no better way to do this than to modify the aircraft lighting for night vision operations, assure pilots and crew are trained, and enable them to utilize the game-changing technology that NVGs offer."
Global Helicopter Service is an EASA approved helicopter company based in Kirchanschörng, Germany. GHS offers numerous services utilizing a flexible fleet of helicopters that includes the well known Sikorsky S76C++, the robust Bell 412 and the sophisticated Airbus H225.
"GHS is honoured to partner with ASU as a distributor for Europe providing required inspections and certifications as well as related services of advanced night vision technology products," said Dominik Goldfuss, CEO of GHS.
ASU currently holds more than 60 night vision STCs from the FAA, EASA, and other aviation administrations. Join ASU at Heli-Expo booth 5104 to discuss your STC requirements, aircraft modification needs, and night vision programs. Also, visit Global Helicopter Service GmbH to learn about their fleet and global operations at booth 6123.
Download EASA STC Press Release
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, Inc. (ASU), a trusted provider that’s been enhancing pilot visual acuity with night vision solutions for more than 25 years, has partnered with a training device innovator, AT Systems, to turn the tides—obscuring pilot sight—in the name of safety.
ASU continues its commitment to aviation safety by providing Night Vision Solutions that Save Lives. Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations require the use of a radar altimeter “functioning in a normal manner, and approved for use by the FAA,” per 14 CFR §91.205. ASU recognizes the importance of understanding regulations, conditions, and limitations related to NVG operations and has developed this information to help you navigate the obstacle to 5G deployment.
Helicopter Association International (HAI) petitioned the FAA and was given a Partial Grant of Exception (No. 18973, Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2021-1028). https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2021-1028-0030. The exception states:
“Part 119 certificate holders authorized to conduct HAA operations under part 135, subpart L, are granted an exemption from 14 CFR §§ 91.9(a) and 91.205(h)(7) to the extent necessary to conduct part 135 operations with NVGs, including night landings and takeoffs from unimproved or off-airport sites, in areas identified by NOTAM, in which the radar altimeter is unreliable and thus may not functioning normally due to 5G C-band interference.
The FAA denies the petition for relief from §§ 135.160(a) and 135.179(a), as the petitioner has not established the need for such relief.”
There are specific conditions and limitations stated in the exemption and must be followed by operators. Certificate holders who wish to exercise the exemption must submit a Letter of Intent to the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov), under Docket No. FAA-2021-1028.
As the 5G deployment may have significant impacts on your NVG operations, you may consider petitioning the FAA for an exemption for your organization. ASU has composed a similar petition for fixed-wing and rotor-wing NVG operations and followed the submittal process as listed below.
Copies of ASU’s petitions are here for your use as you see fit:
Currently, ASU (Boise, ID), is not in a 5G NOTAM area and is conducting normal operations. We do not know how long we will be “in the clear,” so we submitted the petition in an attempt to stay ahead of any changes to the BOI Airport area.
We have listed links to reference information that may be helpful as you make decisions and ensure your operations maintain the highest possible level of safety. The list is not exhaustive. Please consult your local FAA office for additional guidance.
FAA Links:
Federal Register Links:
We will continue to update this page as we learn more. If you have any questions, please call Chris Schoonover, Director of Aviation Services, 208-287-5399.
Stay safe!
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) in Boise, Idaho, announced today the company was given the Seven Seals Awards from the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR), for the company’s efforts to support ASU employees in the National Guard and Reserves.
The Aviation Specialties Unlimited team, with traveling installers keeping aircraft in the air, saving lives, hasn’t stopped traveling during the pandemic. In the second half of 2021, we have cautiously stepped back into live trade events, seeing our customers in-person, and seeing promise in upcoming shows. Like earlier shows this year, we experienced consistent traffic and urgency to get down to business at European Rotors in Cologne, Germany Nov. 16-18. Our team is hitting the road again for the Expodefensa show in Bogota, Colombia, next week. If you’re fortunate enough to attend, see us at stand 223 in the U.S. Pavilion.