jhadmin posted on September 03, 2010 10:48
Mauna Loa Helicopters completed its first NVG pilot training program in August in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. The staff used a Computer Based Training Program developed by NVG partners Night Flight Concepts to give students the ground knowledge and training in advance of the classroom instruction. The flying took place in a recently modified Robinson R-44 Raven II. Seven pilots attended the inaugural class.
NVGs are being introduced into all phases of night flying and instrument training conducted
at the school and instructors can expect to log well over 100 hours of night instruction during their internship as CFIs at Mauna Loa.
Randy Rowles of Night Flight Concepts attended the course to oversee the training and ensure quality control on this first class provided by Mauna Loa Helicopters.
"We see an ever increasing market for NVG equipment and training in the industry and intend to offer this to our pilots during their primary training," said Ben Fouts, president. "There are currently very few options in the civil market for the training, so from a career building standpoint we felt this was an important next step for the organization. With the help of Night Flight Concepts, we will soon have a complete export compliance program and intend to market this program to customers not only in the U.S. but from the Pacific Rim as well."
Students who attend Mauna Loa Helicopters will be provided with NVG training as a standard part of the professional pilot curriculum.
Night Flight Concepts of Florida is a comprehensive night vision technology (NVT) provider specializing in NVG pilot and crewmember flight training, NVG service & maintenance repair, NVG maintenance technician training, and night vision program support. Mauna Loa Helicopters, with locations on three of the Hawaiian Islands, is an FAA-Approved Part 141 helicopter flight school. In addition, the school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and one of only three helicopter training schools nationwide to hold this distinction.