North Slope Borough Search And Rescue Aviation Unit Initiates FAA Approved Training

North Slope Borough's Search and Rescue Aviation Unit has selected NVIO Systems Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Computer-Based Training (CBT) to kick-start the rollout of a comprehensive night vision program that will provide strategic capabilities to enhance performance during night operation and realize organizational goals. The mission of NSB's Search and Rescue Department is to increase the safety of all of its residents by providing safe, rapid and reliable airborne response which includes aero medical evacuation, search and rescue, and other emergencies.

The harsh environment that NSB works in makes NVGs a natural to mitigate risk. However, to effectively and efficiently utilize NVGs to their full potential requires an advanced understanding of night vision equipment, maintenance processes, and operator handling procedures to enhance safety and operational capabilities of an organization. NSB has engaged Night Flight Concepts, a leading provider of comprehensive night vision solutions, to support the end-to-end NVG program.  Night Flight Concepts will work with NSB to plan, equip, train and support their NVIS program, using the unique and flexible NVIO NVG CBT to support initial and recurrent training needs.

The NVIO NVG CBT is an Internet-based FAA approved blended training system featuring instruction on NVG system capabilities and limitations, operational concepts and requirements, equipment parts familiarization, and NVG operations and maintenance procedures. Collaboration between Night Flight Concepts and Gladstone Aerospace Corporation, the NVIO CBT   was designed to help optimize NVG training support programs for operators and maintainers helping to train individuals to standard and maintain competency faster and easier than using traditional methods

"Reliable, quick and efficient training for our pilots and crewmembers is one of the backbones of our training philosophy," stated NSB's Chief Pilot Pat Patterson. "Using the NVIO NVG CBT not only provides initial and recurrent training, it also allows for automatic standardization of the training and 24/7 access because of its delivery system, which is a plus for a SAR flight organization - particularly in our remote location."

FMI: www.co.north-slope.ak.us/departments/sar/flight.php