Helijet, BC Ambulance Service gain night vision kit

Helijet International Inc. has revealed that this winter, it will install night vision imaging systems (NVIS) into all three of its dedicated air ambulance helicopters.

Helijet operates the S-76C+ medical helicopters on a 24/7 basis from its Vancouver International Airport and Prince Rupert/Seal Cove base facilities under long-term contracts with BC Emergency Health Services (BCHES), which operates the BC Ambulance Service.

Under an agreement with BCEHS, Helijet will install NVIS into the three dedicated air ambulances, with the $1.6-million installation cost being financed by Helijet International. Once operational, NVIS will enhance cockpit flight operations to provide greater pilot situational awareness with the objective of achieving safer mission completion during night flight operations, said the operator.

To complete what it described as a complex installation, Helijet has partnered with VIH Aerospace, Rebtech Technologies and Night Flight Concepts.

Brendan McCormick, Helijet’s director of flight operations, stated: “This equipment will significantly enhance our current air ambulance service delivery, allowing us to provide services where we couldn’t before and dramatically increasing safety where we have.”

Helijet said that it plans for its flight crew to be fully ground and flight trained on the use of this technology by early 2018.