Northwest Aerospace News June | July Issue No. 3 | Page 24

TRAINING
Technology and equipment are not the
only factors in assuring that ASU’s
mission of advancing safety is success-
ful. The pilots and crew also need to
be trained on the proper use of NVGs,
maintenance, and care of the goggles.
ASU has trained 3,404 pilots and
4,423 crew members during the last
two decades. ASU has such a com-
petitive training program and experi-
enced team that the FAA contracted
ASU in 2004 to conduct the initial and
recurrent training for all their helicop-
ter inspectors. ASU was granted that
contract once again and will continue
through 2019.
ASU’s acumen and experience also
enabled them to win the contract to
train the FAA fixed-wing inspectors
in 2017. This was the first of its kind.
ASU’s Director of Operations and
pilot Justin Watlington was the first
pilot certified to train pilots and crew
members in both helicopter and fixed-
wing operations. He has flown more
than 4,300 hours under NVGs.
“NVGs have saved countless lives
since they were approved for civilian
operations,” said Watlington. “The
goggles help find lost people, locate
alleged criminals, locate hot spots in
fires, and are a vital tool for numerous
missions. The NVGs help pilots and
crew members avoid power lines, tow-
ers, and mountains on other potential
harmful obstacles. But, they are just a
tool until pilots and crew members are
properly trained. We want to contin-
ually train and empower others to in-
crease their situational awareness and
mission safety by using the NVGs.”
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NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
PARTNERSHIPS
ASU has grown exponentially in the last decade because of its reputation and
commitment to the customer. In 2018, ASU signed agreements with L3 and
Harris corporations. Both companies are the primary providers for NVGs in
the United States. ASU helped both companies obtain FAA Technical Standard
Orders (TSOs). The TSO ensures that a company meets FAA design and produc-
tion standards. ASU has worked with Harris for more than two decades and with
L3 since 2011. By having established partnerships with both companies, it also
gives ASU the ability to sell, service and maintain goggles for customers around
the world, no matter what type of goggle the operator has.
“Part of the value proposition for operators of ASU is our established relation-
ships and expertise. We understand every aspect of nighttime operations. We
have pilots, trainers, installation technicians, manufacturing experts and a knowl-
edgeable team,” said Winkel. “The providers of the goggles know and trust us;
the regulating entities know our quality standards, and our customers rely on us.”
THE FUTURE
In 2014 ASU expanded its corporate headquarters in Boise and now employs
53 people in the Treasure Valley. ASU also has invested in product research
and development. This year ASU added staff for their FAA Parts Manufacturer
Approval (PMA) team and supply chain management. “Adding people to our
team of experts and expanding our capabilities is vital to our future growth,” said
Winkel.