![]() Pilots and Medical crew received both classroom instruction and actual flight training. Fulton oversaw this training, and Duane Clark served as the NVG Training Supervisor and organized training for all the bases. Initially, Air Evac Lifeteam contracted with Aviation Specialties Unlimited in Boise, Idaho to train crew members from eight of its bases before establishing its own, FAA-approved NVG training program.Īir Evac Lifeteam’s training was done concurrently at three different locations throughout the central United States. Night vision technology is part of this equation. “We want the goggles to reduce the stress level of flying at night, which is a necessary skill in the helicopter EMS world.”įulton agreed, stating that “safety has always been paramount in this company as we work to create the safest working environment possible for our crews and patients. ![]() “We don’t want them flying in unsafe or hazardous conditions, because the goggles are meant to enhance their safety, not provide a false sense of security,” said Bonham. They are also very useful in avoiding wire or power line strikes, and even seeing ducks or geese near the aircraft.”įulton and Senior Director of Flight Operations Tony Bonham both emphasize that crews are trained to accept flights that are deemed safe even without the NVG’S. “They are certainly not a cure all, but they are a tremendous help with difficulties such as mountainous terrain and reduced visibility. Rather, the goggles provide what he calls an “edge” for the pilots. The ANVIS-9 goggles were just that tool, Fulton said, with the state-of-the-art goggles raising vision to 20/20 from the normal nighttime vision of 20/200.ĭespite this enhancement, Fulton points out NVGs are not replacements for pilot caution, skill and training. With Air Evac Lifeteam crews spending approximately 30-40 percent of their flight time on evening flights, the company wanted an additional safety tool when spotting terrain, obstructions, or looking for a suitable landing zone. Safety is what prompted the company-wide commitment to the goggles, said Chief Pilot Tim Fulton, who oversaw the company’s NVG training. Three years later, the company’s entire fleet of Bell 206 LongRanger Helicopters have been modified for NVGs, and all of its flight crew members have completed a comprehensive, FAA-approved NVG training program. Training began with the company’s eastern Kentucky bases along the Cumberland Mountain range that fall. “The two and a half-year implementation process required a great deal of time in training, aircraft modification and equipment purchases – a more than $7 million investment in safety.”Īir Evac Lifeteam received approval in 2007 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use ANVIS-9 goggles, manufactured by ITT Technologies, as part of its operations. “The company embraced this risk mitigation tool as another way to keep our employees and patient’s safe,” Myers said. Air Evac Lifeteam, the largest independently-owned and operated air medical service in the United States, operates 92 bases in 14 states.Īir Evac Lifeteam President and CEO Seth Myers said completion of the NVG implementation shows the commitment of Air Evac Lifteam’s employees and management to safety. Air Evac Lifeteam is now the largest air medical company to complete the implementation of Night Vision Technology at all of its air ambulance bases.
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