Aviation Specialties Unlimited Trains Irish Air Corp in Night Vision Goggle flying

Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) Instructor personnel have completed the first phase of Initial night vision goggle training for Irish Air Corps Pilots and associated aircrews.

Follow on advanced training will include NVG Instructor, hoisting, external load, and formation flight training. ASU Inc was awarded the contract after a competitive international tendering process. ASU Inc. presented a comprehensive and competitive package of training which was conducted by very experienced ex-military and former EMS helicopter instructors. The standard course of training provided is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
 
No 3 Operations Wing, Irish Air Corps operate EC135 and AW139 aircraft and are an operational military unit which delivers rotary-winged, multi-purpose, combat-support air capabilities to meet Irish Defence Forces' objectives and tasks.

These tasks include reconnaissance, observation, command and control, troop movement and logistical support, Medevac, security missions and Naval air support. In addition to these military tasks, No 3 Operations Wing also provides a number of services in support of the Civil Community and certain Government Departments.

These tasks are varied and include, providing an air ambulance service in support of the Health Service Executive, search and rescue assistance to the Coastguard, major disaster relief, and operating a 24 hr An Garda Síochána (The Police Service) Air Support Unit.

The introduction of NVGs will enhance, to a great degree, the ability of this military helicopter Unit to execute its assigned tasks at night and with an increased margin of safety. No 3 Operations Wing is the first and only operator in Ireland to be capable of operating with NVGs in the execution of its missions.