Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) added a new fixed wing STC to its growing list of fixed wing aircraft after successfully completing NVIS STC Lighting Installation on a Hawker Beechcraft King Air 200 for Provincial Airlines in St. Johns, Newfoundland.
This is the first unrestricted NVG STC issued that allows for the use of NVGs during take off and landing in North America and the first joint efforts with the FAA and Transport Canada on fixed wing aircraft for ASU. ASU previously worked with the FAA and Transport Canada to finalize the completion of an S61 for Coulson in Port Albernie, Canada.
“Our ability to work in conjunction with Transport Canada and FAA officials on fixed wing aircraft paves the way for our customers in both Canada and the United Sates to obtain NVIS modifications on their fixed wing aircraft to increase safety,” said ASU Quality Assurance Manager Kip McDermott. “Provincial Airlines operates aircraft in remote areas of Northern Canada in low-light conditions and often face inclement weather and harsh conditions. The use of NVGs gives PAL another layer of safety.”
ASU will also be training Provincial Airline pilots on the use of NVGs later this year.
“The enhancement provided by NVG’s for the night operator are without exception, one of the safest appliances utilized since the advent of the human eye and a clear day,” said ASU Chief Pilot and training instructor Justin Watlington. “We can continue to develop avionics that tell us how close we are to obstacles, but nothing replaces a well-trained pilot and a good set of eyes. NVG’s allow for safer operations being conducted by better-equipped pilots. There are many operators flying fixed wing at night in very complex situations that would enjoy the many safety enhancements of being able to see when the sun goes down.”
ASU now holds fixed wing STCs for NVGs on the Cessna 208 Caravan, CASA C212, DHC-6 Twin Otter and the King Air 200.
