As part of Aviation Specialties Unlimited’s, (ASU) global expansion and strategic growth plans for the future, ASU has hired former L-3 Warrior Systems Vice President of International Business Development Jim Winkel as its new President.

Winkel, an industry veteran worked with L-3 for the last five years and helped spearhead ASU’s global distribution deal with L-3 in 2011.

“The addition of Jim is part of a strategic plan we have to bring in strong operationally minded executives to our company,” said ASU Founder Mike Atwood.  “His product expertise, knowledge on the manufacturing side, distribution, contract acquisition and quality assurance will add great value to our current and future customers.”

Following a successful career as an aviator with the U.S. Army, Jim Winkel joined the ranks of those in the aerospace and defense industry.  While in the Army, Jim trained and mentored fellow aviators and crewmembers while performing duties as instructor pilot, standardization instructor pilot, instrument flight examiner and commander in single and multi-engine helicopters as well as fixed-wing aircraft. Winkel has logged more than 5,000 flight hours domestically and internationally.

He drew from his leadership experience in the military, as he co-chaired the RTCA committee, which published the defining document — DO-275 – still in use today by FAA for governing NVG flight within the national airspace system.  As a member of industry, he honed his leadership skills as he managed business development and program management teams for Litton, Northrop Grumman, Thales and L-3 in both domestic and international marketing and sales efforts.  Additionally, Winkel led the pursuit and capture of several large opportunities, including the U.S. Army’s OMNIBUS VII program which generated more than $600M in revenue for the company.  He enjoys finding solutions, as he works diligently with customers, suppliers and his team to optimize results.

With the addition of Winkel, Mike Atwood will now focus his efforts primarily on new business development and international sales.

“Jim’s leadership is proven and with him serving as the new president, I will have more time to interface with our expanding global network,” said Atwood.  “We now have 18 ASU representatives in 30 countries and I have traveled extensively over the last two years building our international presence.  We are using our proven history of pioneering NVGs in North America and are helping operators in countries all over the world to launch NVG flight operations.”

Already in 2013, ASU has seen an increase in the demand not only for products, but also NVIS aircraft lighting modifications and customized pilot and crew training in Europe, Africa, Canada, Latin America and other parts of the world.

“Over the last three years I have witnessed first hand the customer service, sales, support and diligence of the ASU team,” said Winkel.  “ASU is known world-wide for its expertise and experience.  ASU has a tremendous legacy in North America and I am looking forward to helping the company forge even greater international growth in the coming years.”

About ASU
Since 1995, ASU’s goal has been to implement night vision in the civil aviation market to increase operational safety and improve mission capabilities. Our focus is on providing a turnkey solution to our customers so that with one call they can obtain:
·       Night vision goggles and replacement parts
·       Service/inspection for goggles
·       NVG cockpit lighting solutions, installed by our FAA-approved 145 repair station technicians at our facility in Boise, Idaho, or at the customer’s facility
·       Cockpit replacement parts provided by our FAA-approved PMA
·       Initial and recurrent training for flight crews on the use of night vision via an FAA-approved 141 Training Program and/or 135 Air Operator Certificate
·       Assistance in establishing Night Vision Programs.
ASU has modified now more than 700 aircraft STC installations and has sold over 2,500 aviator systems here in the U.S.  For additional information, call 208-426-8117 or e-mail ASU at info@asu-nvg.com