Skywork Helicopters of New Zealand picks Astronics enhanced vision system

Astronics Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Astronics Max-Viz, announced that New Zealand’s Skywork Helicopters Ltd. is flying the world’s first high resolution Max-Viz 1400 Enhanced Vision System (EVS) on a rotor wing aircraft. The Astronics Max-Viz provides pilots real-time display for increased visibility in adverse weather conditions, such as darkness, precipitation, fog, dust, and smoke.

“The decision to select the Astronics Max-Viz 1400 was all about managing risk for our low-level operations by choosing infrared technology over autopilot,” said Skywork Director/Chief Pilot Roger Stevenson. The enhanced vision system, now operational on a Skywork Airbus AS350B3 helicopter, is the first to be installed in New Zealand for flight operation. The Astronics Max-Viz 1400 EVS, compatible with both rotor wing and fixed wing applications, was recently certified to DO-160G standards by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics.

Initial Order is for Three Systems
Skywork operates a fleet of helicopters from four bases in New Zealand. It placed an initial order for three Max-Viz 1400s for installation on its helicopter fleet.

Mr. Stevenson said, “We have NVG cockpits and goggles for night VFR if required, however the Max-Viz EVS option is available at all times and the assurance provided by the system makes everyone feel safer during the day and at night.” Stevenson added, “We are proud to be known in the aviation industry as a company that has an uncompromising attitude towards delivering the highest possible level of safety and service. We feel that adding the Astronics Max-Viz 1400s to our fleet will further enhance our reputation.”

Oceania Aviation, Astronics Max-Viz’s dealer in New Zealand, recently installed the Astronics Max-Viz EVS 1400 in the first of several Skywork helicopters to receive the new technology. Oceania Aviation is one of New Zealand’s largest general aviation maintenance networks. The New Zealand landscape, although breathtaking, offers even the most experienced pilot many challenges. New Zealand’s geography and climate are complex and vary from warm subtropical features in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south, with severe alpine conditions in the mountainous areas.