Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) announced that 21-year ASU veteran, Kip McDermott, has been promoted to Vice President of Aviation Operations.

“Kip has been part of the ASU team since 2001. As one of the first employees of ASU, Kip has the institutional and industry experience to grow ASU’s existing training and flight operations,” said ASU President Dr. Joseph Estrera. Over the years, ASU has consistently relied on Kip for critical strategic and management oversight. Whether it’s ensuring an aircraft is operationally ready, conducting training, and pursuing his DER qualification, Kip has used his skills and talent to elevate ASU.”

The new position and newly created ASU Aviation Operations organization was established as a strategic consolidation of Aviation Services and Aircraft Services. The new organization encompasses NVG training, air carrier operations, contract maintenance, repair station, certification, and the NVG Service Center. In his new role with ASU, McDermott will provide leadership for the training and flight operations departments and organizational leadership for the long-term success of ASU.

Before receiving the promotion, McDermott served as the Vice President of Engineering and Executive Director of Business Development. He received his Airframe and Powerplant Certification in 1992 and Avionics and Electronics of America Inspection Authorization in 2002.

McDermott also served as a crew chief on various airframes, including the UH-1H, UH-60, and CH-47D, during his time in the United States Army and at Dyncorp Aerospace in Mannheim, Germany.

In recent months, McDermott has helped ASU advance several company initiatives, including working with operators to obtain EASA STCs on numerous aircraft. When McDermott started with ASU, he played a vital role in establishing proven night vision modification methodologies for aircraft lighting and streamlining certification.