ASU pilot and trainer , K Kirkendall has used the ATS Device in flight and was the first person introduced to the technology at ASU — following an Idaho National Guard crash on February 2 , 2021 , that killed three men from the Boise area . The cause of the accident was dangerous weather with fog and precipitation outside of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter . AT Systems , LLC , Phillips and Lavallée sent the ATS Device to Kirkendall ’ s unit post-accident . He said , “ We thought it was generous ,” that they sent the device .
Kirkendall said that they started testing with the device and , “ We were able to simulate the same experience as what happened in the accident .” He said that with in-flight ATS Device training , instead of within a simulator , pilots can test out a variety of environments from flying through the back country , the mountains , in snow , sand , or fog . “ You can be in your own backyard on a lot of missions , and this provides a unique way to train .” He added that in addition to the device ’ s safety features there is a safety / instructor pilot guiding the training to ensure safety .
Photos courtesy of Global Helicopter Service
In fact , Kirkendall has personally experienced both DVE and spatial disorientation . He said , “ I was in Afghanistan , ( it was ) dark and dusty , ( and I had a ) pretty good case of spatial disorientation ; instruments weren ’ t matching up with what I saw visually . ( I ) had to turn over the flight controls to a junior aviator .” He added that it was difficult to accept that he needed to turn over the flight controls to a less experienced aviator , but it needed to happen .
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