“In case after case, Max-Viz Enhanced Vision System technology has resulted in increased situational awareness and definitely improves operational safety and accident / incident avoidance,” states Brian Bozick of Aggressive Insurance.  “It is clear that the inclusion of safety technology is a mindset and evidence of proactive thinking by operators and pilots.  These prove to be the owners who are the most careful and considerate of their passengers, their plane and exposures on the ground.”  Brian continues, “We believe that recognizing owners of this type who use EVS and other safety equipment should be rewarded with lower insurance costs.”

Bob Yerex, Vice President of Sales for Max-Viz states, “The recognition from Aggressive Insurance that EVS does make a difference in safety, and that stepping out and creating a discount incentive to further promote that fact says an awful lot about the folks from Aggressive Insurance.  Both Max-Viz and Aggressive Insurance recognize that EVS is not the only answer in mitigating the hazards of reduced visibility and nighttime operations, however it is one of the only technologies that provide this level of overall situational awareness.”

Aggressive Insurance (www.aggressiveaviation.com) provides the owners of smaller, piston-driven aircraft with competitive pricing, sound coverage and unparalleled services such as instant policy issuance, automatic  no-hassle renewals and convenient billing options such as monthly direct bill, credit card payment and even electronic funds transfer and E Check options. Its products are offered through independent insurance agents throughout the U.S., through Nationwide and Farmers Insurance Agents and through the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Insurance Agency (AOPA).  Coverages are issued on a member company of the eminent Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group.

Max-Viz (www.max-viz.com) designs and markets the smallest, most reliable and affordable Enhanced Vision Systems for aircraft. The systems use infrared sensors, signal processing, and a cockpit display to show terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and other obstacles through poor visibility conditions including light fog, haze, smoke, brown / whiteout, light precipitation and darkness.

Press Release (PDF)

“The addition of new technology safety features is perhaps the most widely requested upgrade amongst Hawker Beechcraft customers,” said Christi Tannahill, Hawker Beechcraft vice president, Global Customer Support. “We have made it a priority to provide systems such as EVS across our product line and we are pleased to add the Hawker 750/800/900 series to this growing list.”

Within the last year, Hawker Beechcraft and Max Viz have announced exclusive agreements to allow in-service King Air 200/300 and C90GT/ C90GTi owners, operators and repair stations to purchase the EVS-1500 directly from Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution.

The Max-Viz EVS-1500 system utilizes the industry’s only thermal imaging camera that can be toggled between wide angle and telephoto fields of view by the pilot for display on the aircraft’s Pro Line 21 video capable multi-functional display. The system also includes a connection for video capable electronic flight bags and a video distribution amplifier that enables infrared images to be displayed on passenger monitors.

EVS systems improve safety of flight and situational awareness by turning night into day and helping to penetrate haze, light fog, smoke and precipitation 8 to 10 times farther than the human eye can see in both night and day settings. It requires no programming or interpretation and permits pilots to see unlit obstacles during taxi and takeoff. In flight, pilots can use EVS to avoid clouds, fly between layers and note detailed ground features out of the night landscape.

For more detailed specifications and to place an order, contact John Wasmund at +1.404.835.7754 or john_wasmund@hawkerbeechcraft.com.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Hawker Beechcraft GCS is dedicated to improving the value of HBC aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase resale value. GCS is comprised of five functional groups that include Support Plus (cost predictability/warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), Hawker Beechcraft Services (factory-owned service centers), Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications) and Global Mission Support (government business and special mission maintenance / training support).

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission, light attack and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.

1,000th System Announcement (PDF)

“We are very proud of our product and the marketplace acceptance that the shipment of this 1000th unit represents. Enhanced Vision Systems have become accepted as a key tool for being able to fly safely and avoid situations that could prove dangerous for pilots of all experience levels.” said Elliott Troutman, Max-Viz President & CEO. “The company has over 50 different certified aircraft installations covering more than 200 different aircraft types ranging from large VIP jets and turbine helicopters, to small personal piston-driven aircraft. While I hesitate to say the EVS industry has reached a tipping point, I do think it is safe to say we are close. People are now getting EVS.”

The market for EVS is growing and new suppliers are beginning to enter the market. According to Max-Viz estimates, the total commercial aircraft installed base – across all vendors – now exceeds 1,700 systems (including Max-Viz 1,000 units).

The Max-Viz EVS-1500 is the only EVS product featuring pilot selectable optical wide angle and telephoto views and is the most popular EVS on the market for turboprop and jet engine powered aircraft. The EVS-1500 and its predecessor, the EVS-1000, are FAA certified and have been installed on a number of rotary and fixed wing aircraft including models from Agusta Westland, Bell, Bombardier, Boeing, Cessna, Dassault, Eurocopter, Gulfstream, Hawker Beechcraft, Pilatus and Sikorsky.

The Max-Viz EVS-600 is the lightest and most affordable EVS and was designed specifically for the operating environment of the general aviation community. This unit is also FAA certified and has been installed on various piston driven aircraft, among them the entire line of Cessna single engine piston aircraft, selected Piper aircraft and the Robinson R-44. The EVS-600 is available directly from the Cirrus factory on Garmin PerspectiveTM equipped SR 20 and SR22 aircraft.

Max-Viz designs and markets the smallest, most reliable, capable and affordable Enhanced Vision Systems. Max-Viz EVS use real-time infrared sensors, signal processing, and various cockpit displays to provide flight crews with actual images of terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and other potential obstacles much better than the naked eye during poor visibility conditions like night light fog, haze, smoke, and light precipitation. Max-Viz EVS simply improves situational awareness.

See Clearly, Fly Safely®

“Gulfstream operators with Generation 1 Max-Viz EVS 1000 can now swap out their old system for the current product with its dual field higher performance Infrared Sensor. The form factor of the EVS 1500 is identical to the previous generation” states Bob Yerex, VP Sales for Max-Viz Inc. “This amendment to the current STC brings the latest EVS technology to the Gulfstream III, IV and V. We are able to support both initial and upgrade installations through a diverse network of leading MRO partners.”

Kevin Hufford, Avionics Manager for Chicago Jet Group during recently reported the following during EVS-1500 post installation performance evaluations “we knew from inception that the capabilities and performance of the EVS-1500 from Max-Viz was going to be the safety solution for our customer. After significant research, the dual field of view EVS-1500 was our only logical choice. Our pilots’ reported during the newly equipped aircraft’s first flight into KASE Aspen, CO that the terrain awareness was just exceptional. Also of equal importance to note was how often and effectively we used the EVS enroute for cumulonimbus build-up avoidance that would not have been possible with only weather radar. Already with our return trip from KASE, we were able to discriminate IFR from MFVR conditions by revealing terrain that previously was just a black abyss. The overall situational awareness improvement in our cockpit will make a tangible difference in both our comfort and the safety of all of our future operations.”

The Max-Viz EVS-1500 incorporates an industry benchmark capability of pilot selectable dual field of view (optical zoom) which provided the ability for a wide field of view (FoV) for enhanced situational awareness and a narrow FoV to detect objects and features (i.e. runways) from a further distance and through heavier atmospheric obscurations.

Max-Viz designs and markets the smallest, most reliable, popular and affordable Enhanced Vision System. Max-Viz EVS use real-time infrared sensors, signal processing, and a cockpit display to provide flight crews with actual images of terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and other potential obstacles much better than the naked eye during poor visibility conditions like night light fog, haze, smoke, and light precipitation. Max-Viz EVS simply improves situational awareness.

See Clearly, Fly Safely®

The Approval was obtained by STC holder and Max-Viz team partner One Sky Aviation. “The S-76 approval process went very smoothly through Transport Canada”, stated Cary Foster, owner of One Sky Aviation based in Anchorage, Alaska. “We were extremely pleased with our first interaction with Transport Canada and will shortly be submitting the B-222 / 230 / 430, EC-130 / AS-350 / EC-135, and Robinson R-44 STC’s for similar approval”, Foster said.

“This first Canadian certification for the industry benchmark EVS-1500 system will quickly be brought into service and presents a significant enhancement to both safety and operational decision making for flight crews” stated Bob Yerex, Vice President for Sales at Max-Viz.

Cary Foster of One Sky Aviation www.oneskyaviation.com added “As a long standing EVS operator on One Sky’s aircraft, I can personally attest to the ability to avoid IMC conditions during nighttime VFR flight operations, and the CFIT avoidance capability of Max-Viz infrared EVS technology is second to none within the industry.” The performance at night will make you wonder how you ever operated without the EVS. It sincerely turns night into day and reduces stress levels like no other technology”.

Max-Viz designs and markets the smallest, most reliable, popular and affordable Enhanced Vision System. Max-Viz EVS use real-time infrared sensors, signal processing, and a cockpit display to provide flight crews with actual images of terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and other potential obstacles much better than the naked eye during poor visibility conditions like night light fog, haze, smoke, and light precipitation. Max-Viz EVS simply improves situational awareness.

SEE CLEARLY, FLY SAFELY®

King Air Press Release March 1, 2011 (PDF)

The Installation Kit for the EVS-1500 on King Air aircraft includes all components (including IR sensor and an EFB Display) and documentation required to install the Max-Viz Enhanced Vision System in King Air aircraft equipped with a video compatible Integrated Display System (IDS) or stand alone display monitor, and is available exclusively through the vast network of Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution Centers (formerly known as RAPID).

The initial release of this STC applies to King Air Aircraft equipped with the Rockwell-Collins Proline21, with software enabled for video display, and includes both the standard and Premier yolk upgrades.

Aftermarket retrofits to aircraft not factory equipped with the video enabled Proline21, are facilitated on request, to include a certified video capable IDS such as the Garmin G1000/G600/G500, Universal 890R or a standalone video-capable MFD. The list of available EVS compatible displays is growing rapidly.

The installation kit also includes a standard connection for Video Capable Electronic Flight Bags that accept and display an NTSC RS-170 analogue video feed and an AV8OR ACE EFB is included for Display on aircraft not equipped with video capable panel mounted MFD’s. This is truly a “fly away” turn-key EVS installation package.

In addition to the above features, the installation also includes a video distribution amplifier to enable distribution of the EVS Image on up to four compatible passenger cabin entertainment displays. The Max-Viz EVS-1500 is the only EVS product featuring pilot selectable optical wide angle and telephoto views and is the most popular EVS on the market. A field of view button is installed on the Premier yolk and on the pedestal mounted EVS control panel.

Elliott Troutman, president of Max-Viz, Inc. said, “Max-Viz is proud to join the Hawker Beechcraft family of approved vendors and to have been selected for installation by the manufacturer on the most famous line of cabin class turboprops in the world. Our system turns night into day to help pilots avoid runway incursions, inadvertent flight into IMC, nighttime VMC spatial disorientation and in general, enables pilots to see more clearly so they can fly more safely.”

Max-Viz designs and markets the smallest, most reliable, popular and affordable Enhanced Vision System. Max-Viz EVS use real-time infrared sensors, signal processing, and a cockpit display to provide flight crews with actual images of terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and other potential obstacles much better than the naked eye during poor visibility conditions like night light fog, haze, smoke, and light precipitation. Max-Viz EVS simply improves situational awareness.

For more detailed specifications and to order, contact Tim Glaser by phone at +1.316.676.7706 or timothy_glaser@hawkerbeechcraft.com.

See Clearly, Fly Safely®

Chicago Jet Falcon 900 Press Release (PDF)

“This first installation with Chicago Jet Group sets the stage for additional follow on programs,” states Bob Yerex, VP Sales for Max-Viz Inc. “It was a distinct pleasure to work with Chicago Jet Group, most importantly Kevin Hufford who was overall program manager from the onset. We look forward to many more Falcon installations with Chicago Jet Group in our cooperative future.”

Kevin Hufford, Avionics Manager for Chicago Jet Group stated, “we knew from inception that the capabilities and performance of the EVS-1500 from Max-Viz was going to be the safety solution for our customer.  After significant research, the dual field of view EVS-1500 was our only logical choice.  Our pilots’ reported during the newly equipped aircraft’s first flight into KASE Aspen, CO that the terrain awareness was just exceptional.  Also of equal importance to note was how often and effectively we used the EVS enroute for cumulonimbus build-up avoidance that would not have been possible with only weather radar.  Already with our return trip from KASE, we were able to discriminate IFR from MFVR conditions by revealing terrain that previously was just a black abyss.  The overall situational awareness improvement in our cockpit will make a tangible difference in both our comfort and the safety of all of our future operations.”

Chicago Jet Group (Aurora Airport, KARR) provides Part 135 charter and aircraft management services and is a Part 145 full service avionics and maintenance facility. Chicago Jet Group has developed, installed and completed multiple internal STC’s and continue on with similar projects each day ensuring that their transient and managed client’s aircraft are meeting the highest standards of technical safety. Chicago Jet Group can be contacted at (630) 466-3600 or mikem@chicagojetgroup.com.

Max-Viz designs and markets the smallest, most reliable and affordable Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) for aircraft. The systems use real-time infrared sensors, signal processing, and a cockpit display to provide flight crews with actual images of terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and other potential obstacles better than the naked eye during poor visibility conditions such as light fog, haze, smoke, brown / whiteout, light precipitation and darkness.

See Clearly, Fly Safely®

Eurocopter EC-135 Press Release (PDF)

“This STC currently encompasses the helicopter models associated with both the H9EU and H88EU Type Certificate Data Sheets and includes some of One Sky Aviation’s most advanced design features. The inclusion of a remote cyclic switch (instead of just a single panel mounted electro-optical switch) provides the capability to change the field of view (FoV) of the sensor, which has a pilot controlled optical zoom feature,” states Bob Yerex, Vice President of Sales for Max-Viz Inc. Ergonomic design changes being incorporated by One Sky Aviation improve the overall man/machine interface, which directly relates to an improvement in the overall human factors and safety associated with these STC designs.

The EVS-1500 is already available on the EC-135 through the Eurocopter factory in Donauworth, Germany, however, this STC will support the legacy and large numbers of aftermarket platforms and make this capability available to operators who are aware of the safety and effectiveness of EVS in night and adverse weather operations.

Cary Foster, Owner of One Sky Aviation, the STC owner and developer states, “the EC-135 is one of the most broadly utilized rotary wing platforms within the industry.  The incorporation of a new generation latching logic relay switch from ViviSun, gives us the ability to include the control mounted switches.  We have worked very closely with Max-Viz to develop this STC to fit the wide configuration and operational needs of the EC-135 community … I think we have clearly hit the mark with this design and aircraft interface.”

One Sky Aviation is the world leader in EVS STC design and integration onto both fixed and rotary wing aircraft and is based out of the Lake Hood side of Anchorage International Airport.

Max-Viz designs and markets the smallest, most reliable and affordable Enhanced Vision Systems for aircraft. The systems use real-time infrared sensors, signal processing, and a cockpit display to provide flight crews with actual images of terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and other potential obstacle than the naked eye during poor visibility conditions such as light fog, haze, smoke, brown / whiteout, light precipitation and darkness.

See Clearly, Fly Safely®

Augusta A-109 Press Release (PDF)

“This STC has been the most globally customer driven certification program we have initiated, with 4 additional follow on orders, with multiple systems, prior to the STC even being completed,” states Bob Yerex, VP Sales for Max-Viz Inc. “We have received more requests for the A-109 series helicopter for EVS than just about any other grouping of aircraft combined.  We are already available as a TC directly through the factory on both the A-109 and AW-139, but the requests for our EVS-1500 sensor on the legacy and aftermarket platforms have led us to the development of this new STC with One Sky Aviation.”

Cary Foster, owner of One Sky Aviation states, “this launch A-109 aircraft includes all of the recent enhancements to our STC design to include latching logic relay electro-optical switches which allow us to incorporate one or more remote switches on the flight controls to control the field of view available in this EVS-1500 sensor.  This is one of the most aesthetic and aerodynamic fairing we have produced, it blends so well with the fuselage and the inclusion of cyclic field of view selection switches significantly enhance the human factors aspects”.

Max-Viz designs and markets the smallest, most reliable and affordable Enhanced Vision Systems for aircraft. The systems use real-time infrared sensors, signal processing, and a cockpit display to provide flight crews with actual images of terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and other potential obstacle than the naked eye during poor visibility conditions such as light fog, haze, smoke, brown / whiteout, light precipitation and darkness.

See Clearly, Fly Safely®

NFC and Max-Viz Press Release (PDF)

In an effort to continue providing safety enhancing products and solutions to the aviation industry, Night Flight Concepts (NFC) and Max-Viz Inc. have created a strategic alliance to better align their separate technologies as a more comprehensive Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) / Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) safety solution.

“EVS and NVIS technologies have long been considered competitors throughout the industry. Our two companies came to a meeting of the minds where it just didn’t make sense to compete. The technology differences are a defined strength when looking at a combined product offering, and will provide the industry with a significantly enhanced solution to mitigate IIMC and CFIT occurrences. Cooperatively integrated, these two visual technologies present a significantly larger chunk of the silver bullet and greatly enhance overall situational awareness throughout both the day and night mission profiles,” commented Randy Rowles, VP Business Development for NFC.

Max-Viz and NFC clearly have the same philosophical values and goals within the industry, which was the defining catalyst in creating this alignment and vision. Putting safety first, and creating a cooperative solution, while still maintaining each company’s autonomy was paramount in the structuring of this agreement. Each company still markets its own product line, but will openly and actively bring the other into programs whenever appropriate.

Bob Yerex, VP Sales for Max-Viz states, “the light bulb went off at both NFC and Max-Viz at the same time. Each of us is well versed in the other’s technological strengths and limitations. It is the recognition of those same attributes that makes this alignment so appropriate. We both feel that the combination of EVS and NVIS technology is long overdue, and we are looking forward to bringing a huge paradigm shift into the industry as to how these two synergistic technologies are viewed.”

Max-Viz has been the world leader in un-cooled EVS since establishing the company in 2001, and currently presents the only second generation EVS sensor product line, including the EVS-1500, which is the only optical zoom sensor in the EVS industry.

NFC company president, Adam Aldous commented, “We’re extremely proud to have an alignment with Max-Viz. We both work hard to achieve the confidence of our customers, and strive to provide the best safety enhancing solutions the industry has to offer. Customers will appreciate that both NFC and Max-Viz are system integration companies which means we are able to provide solutions, rather than just products that are good for the overall aviation industry.”  The NFC/Max-Viz vision is “To cooperatively and effectively promote safety through the combination of two world-class vision technologies to increase overall situational awareness and operational flight safety.” Bob Yerex states, ”Our focus is to save lives through cooperation.”

Night Flight Concepts, based in Port St. Lucie, Florida, provides complete night vision goggle equipment, flight training, FAR Part 145 NVG inspections/maintenance, and support for global customers looking to improve night flight safety for civil flight operations. The company can also provide aircraft cockpit, cabin and crew station night vision capable modifications, installation and related consulting.

Max-Viz designs and markets the smallest, most reliable and affordable Enhanced Vision Systems for aircraft. The systems use real-time infrared sensors, signal processing, and a cockpit display to provide flight crews with actual images of terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and other potential obstacles much better than the naked eye during poor visibility conditions such as light fog, haze, smoke, brown / whiteout, light precipitation and darkness.

For more information, please see the Night Flight Concepts, Inc. website, http://nightflightconcepts.com/ or via telephone at 888.632.8764.