Idaho company approved to fly with night vision goggles

Boise-based ASU said in a news release that it is the first company to receive approval for the single-engine operations.

“This approval means that transport of cargo to un-lit FAA approved airports in the remote backcountry as well as transport of passengers and cargo to lighted runways at popular tourist destinations like Sun Valley, McCall, Stanley in Idaho and the surrounding Northwest can now be accessed at all hours,” said the announcement.

ASU said the approval allows the company to expand training to other Part 135 operators.

All the members of Idaho’s Congressional delegation came together to support bringing NVG use to Idaho, it noted.

“Anything that increases safety while operating an aircraft is significant for ASU, but also for the entire industry,” said ASU Operations Director Justin Watlington.

“With this approval by the FAA, airplane operators that fly in remote areas will now be able to pursue NVG operations to increase the safety of their night time operations,” said Daniel Hutchison, ASU chief pilot.