“This important milestone demonstrates our continuing commitment to the rotary wing community,” said Max-Viz Vice President Business Development Lou Churchville. “Max-Viz knows helicopters. We have experienced and tenured helicopter pilots on staff who understand the unique challenges and missions flown by helicopter pilots.”

Press Release 5-07-2012

Max-Viz Enhanced Vision System helps pilots see better at night, in bad weather and through smog, smoke, haze and light fog. Emergency medical, military, Coast Guard and fire-attack aircraft using Max-Viz’s system experience higher mission completion rates and greater safety, avoiding traffic, obstructions and inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions.

“Our air ambulance flight crews are reporting that not only can they see terrain features and manmade structures at night, but they are seeing fog and cloud formations and concentrations of precipitation during the day, thus enabling them to pick safer routes ahead,” said Brendan McCormick, chief pilot of rotary wing for Helijet, based at Vancouver International Airport in Canada.

Helijet operates the Sikorsky S76C+ in air ambulance configuration, equipped the Max-Viz EVS-1500. McCormick credits the company’s investment in enhanced navigation and safety equipment for a greater level of service and reliability. “We’ve been able to go places where previous contractors couldn’t,” he added.

“Helicopter shipments of the Max-Viz Enhanced Vision System increased by 35 percent in 2011, and the company anticipates as much as 50 percent growth in 2012 as the systems are becoming more popular with a wider group of rotary wing users,” Churchville said.

Revenue charter and standard corporate transport operations report increased on-time departures and a smoother ride for clients based on the ability to see and avoid weather systems and clouds.

Corporate passengers, patients, offshore oil rig commuters and other passengers know their pilot can see and react to situations that may not be viewable with the human eye in limited visibility environments and at night. Max-Viz transforms situational awareness and effectiveness, and enhances pilot confidence and operational safety.

About Max-Viz Inc.

Max-Viz designs and markets real-time Enhanced Vision Systems for turbine and piston fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The systems use infrared sensors, signal processing, and advanced cockpit display to show terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and obstacles in poor visibility conditions including light fog, haze, smoke, brown/whiteout, light precipitation and darkness. Max-Viz Enhanced Vision Systems are small, reliable and affordable. For more information go to www.max-viz.com.

Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support’s program for installation of Max-Viz EVS-1500 Infrared Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) on Hawker 750, 800, 850 and 900 series business jets is scheduled for STC approval by June 2012.

Press Release 4-30-2012

“Hawker Beechcraft’s demonstrated confidence in our real-time Enhanced Vision System further validates the added safety this feature can bring to general aviation operations,” said Lou Churchville, vice president of Business Development for Max-Viz, Inc. “Approval for the Hawker series is a natural follow-on to previous approval for most Beechcraft King Air models.”

Turnkey aircraft installation through Hawker Beechcraft Services’ factory-owned service centers will be available to owners and operators of Hawker series jets. In addition, the EVS-1500 may be ordered by purchasers of new 900XP aircraft.

“By adding the latest in advanced-technology safety features through programs like this, Hawker Beechcraft affirms its continuing commitment to maximize customer value and support,” said Christi Tannahill, vice president of Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support. “Providing Max-Viz Enhanced Vision to yet another aircraft series in our product line demonstrates this commitment well into the future.”

Recently Hawker Beechcraft and Max-Viz collaborated to permit in-service King Air 200/300 and C90GT/C90GTi owners, operators and repair stations to purchase 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 by the pilot between wide angle and telephoto fields for real-time display on the Pro Line 21 multi-functional video display. The system also includes a connection for video-capable electronic flight bags and a video distribution amplifier that enables forward-looking infrared images to be displayed on passenger monitors.

EVS improves safety of flight and situational awareness by helping penetrate haze, light fog, smoke and precipitation eight to 10 times farther than the unaided human eye can see during day or night. It requires no programming or interpretation and permits pilots to clearly see unlit obstacles during taxi, takeoff and landing. In flight, pilots use Max-Viz’s Enhanced Vision System to avoid clouds, fly between layers and observe detailed surface features, such as ground-based obstacles and mountain terrain.

About Max-Viz, Inc.
Max-Viz designs and markets real-time Enhanced Vision Systems for turbine and piston fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The systems use infrared sensors, signal processing, and advanced cockpit display to show terrain, runways, taxiways, aircraft and obstacles in poor visibility conditions including light fog, haze, smoke, brown/whiteout, light precipitation and darkness. Max-Viz Enhanced Vision Systems are small, reliable and affordable. For more information go to www.max-viz.com.

About Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support
Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., GCS is dedicated to improving the value of Hawker Beechcraft 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. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.

The Canadian Advisory Circular addresses Infrared Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) and light amplification Night Vision Goggles (NVG) providing a comprehensive standard for operators of both rotary and fixed wing aircraft, including minimum ground and flight training, pilot qualification, and minimum acceptable systems performance standards for both EVS and NVG technologies.

Encompassing both of these technologies within a single NVIS Advisory Circular with clear operational and equipment standards- for the first time in North America- will result is a tremendous improvement in flight safety for Canadian operators. The Advisory Circular additionally provides for inclusion of new NVIS technologies as they are developed in a more open-ended manner than previously possible in comparable regulations.

Max-Viz Vice President Bob Yerex, a retired US Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue pilot with over 8000 hours of flight experience and proficiency in both EVS and NVG operations stated, “The Canadian authority has demonstrated a profound level of technical expertise, courage and regulatory leadership in addressing and codifying a comprehensive solution by including both EVS and NVG within the NVIS umbrella. This Advisory Circular presents Canadian operators with choices and technical solutions that will ultimately result in programs selecting the right technology or combining both EVS and NVG for a much more comprehensive risk mitigation solution.  The inclusion of fixed wing aviation within this NVIS Advisory Circular will bring a much more broad based and adaptable solution to Canadian operators.”

For additional information contact Max-Viz Marketing Communications Department at Marcomm@Max-Viz.com

“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®