Gig Harbor-Based Helo Operation To Use System
Max-Viz Inc. recently announced the first EVS-1500 installation on
a Bell 206 helicopter operated by Gig Harbor, WA-based charter and
flight training outfit Columbia Flyers.
"This important installation will provide Columbia Flyers with a
far more operationally appropriate sensor design for helicopter
aviation," said Max-Viz president Elliott Troutman. "The dual FoV
EVS-1500 incorporates a wide angle 53º FoV capability while
additionally incorporating an optical zoom feature which presents a
much higher resolution image in a 30º FoV. These two
complementary images provide both a wide angle situational
awareness perspective, while allowing for a much higher definition
narrower FoV which allows for enhanced obstacle/ hazard detection,
and runway/ landing zone imaging."
Troutman added the EVS-1500 is a product of "over three years of
research and development, incorporating the essential elements
determined through both internal product analysis and external
customer derived feedback."
Bradley Pattison, owner of Columbia Flyers, had a significant
interest in this installation. As an experienced trauma physician,
and long standing Part-135 helicopter owner and operator, he saw
the inherent safety benefits that enhanced vision could offer.
"With the increased accident rates being experienced by EMS
aircraft nationwide, the consideration of a technology which
provides both inadvertent IMC and CFIT avoidance capability in a
passive and easily interpreted image should not be overlooked,"
Pattison said. "The enhancements presented in just the first few
flights present a product that is a quantum improvement over the
previous generation EVS-1000 sensor. I have been detecting specific
targets out to distances far exceeding the previous generation EVS.
These capabilities provide me with a significant Search and Rescue
tool while the technical enhancements of this next generation
sensor provide atmospheric resolution that far exceeds my wildest
expectations."
Max-Viz designs and markets a series of small and affordable
Enhanced Vision Systems for aircraft. The systems use real-time
infrared sensors, signal processing, and a cockpit display to
provide flight crews with actual images of terrain, runways,
taxiways, aircraft and other potential obstacles during poor
visibility conditions such as light fog, haze, smoke, precipitation
and darkness.
The amended STC with PMA from Paravion Technology Inc. of Ft.
Collins, CO incorporates the necessary switching and wiring
provisions necessary for the next generation, dual field of view
(FoV) EVS-1500 sensor.