Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) CEO Mike Atwood was given the NIGHTCON Lifetime Achievement award at the annual NIGHTCON convention in Dallas, Texas in front of a group of helicopter operators from around the world, Federal Aviation Administration officials and members of the Night Vision Advisory Council (NVAC).

Atwood was nominated from numerous members of NVAC, who represent industry leaders in night vision for his contributions to the development and advancement of night vision goggle use in civil operations.

“Mike truly has pioneered the use of NVGs in the civilian world not only in North America, but also throughout the world,” said ASU President Jim Winkel. “It was great to see that Mike was recognized for his role in advancing the safety of night vision operations by a group of leaders and experts from our industry.   He deserves to be recognized for all he has done.”

President and CEO of Helicopter Association International (HAI) Matthew Zuccaro also recognized Atwood for his achievements in a letter he sent to NIGHTCON to honor him.

“Your consistent and tireless efforts in the development and implementation of night vision technology within the helicopter community have directly resulted in enhanced safety, operational efficiency, and most importantly, the saving of lives.  HAI extends our congratulations as you are appropriately recognized by your peers and a grateful industry,” said Zuccaro.

“I am humbled to receive this award because it comes from leading experts in the field of night vision,” said Atwood.  “I never imagined when I first began working with night vision goggles so many years ago that they would impact our daily lives so much.  I was hopeful that this technology would help our world be a safer place, and I am glad that I was able to play a small role in making that happen along with many others over the 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