Metro Aviation, the Shreveport, Louisiana-headquartered aeromedical operations provider, has made an additional investment into its safety and training measures. By equipping pilots with the ICARUS view-limiting devices, Metro leadership is reinforcing its dedication to providing pilots with the best training tools available.

ICARUS or Instrument Conditions Awareness Recognition and Understanding System is a pilot training device that improves instrument flying proficiency. The device, used in the field, allows for the proper training for recovery of inadvertent entry into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC), which still today is a leading cause of accident fatalities.

“This is a game-changer our industry has needed for some time,” says Metro director of operations Brian Bihler. “Training is the lifeblood of what we do at Metro Aviation, and this device is the perfect complement to our full-motion flight simulators and flight training devices.”

The ICARUS device was invented by Nick Sinopoli in 2014 after losing a friend to a spatial disorientation accident. Sinopoli sold his car to apply for a patent and the gamble paid off in 2016 when he was awarded a patent for his innovation.

Bihler adds: “We used one device to conduct extensive testing with several of our pilots in the field over the past few months, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.”

Metro Aviation is the largest traditional air medical operator in the US, providing pilots and technicians for more than 150 aircraft across the country. Shipment of the devices to Metro's country-wide bases will begin in the coming weeks.