Boise, Idaho-based night vision goggle specialist Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) has promoted 21 year ASU veteran Kip McDermott to vice president of aviation operations.

The company has a staff of highly skilled pilots who are experts in dealing with mountainous terrain and difficult weather conditions. It provides resources in the Northwest for executive and tourism flights; aerial operations; SAR; law enforcement and fire fighting; and news gathering. Its Bell JetRanger helicopter services are available 24/7.

“Kip has been part of the ASU team since 2001. As one of its first employees, Kip has the institutional and industry experience to grow ASU's existing training and flight operations,” says president Dr Joseph Estrera. "Over the years, ASU has consistently relied on Kip for critical strategic and management oversight. Whether it's ensuring an aircraft is operationally ready, conducting training and pursuing his DER qualification, Kip has used his skills and talent to elevate the company.”

The new position and newly created ASU aviation operations organisation was established as a strategic consolidation of its aviation services and aircraft services units. The new organisation encompasses NVG training, air carrier operations, contract maintenance, repair station, certification and the NVG service centre. In his new role, McDermott will provide leadership for the training and flight operations departments and organisational leadership for the long term success of ASU.

Previously he served as the vice president of engineering and executive director of business development. He received his airframe and powerplant certification in 1992 and Avionics and Electronics of America Inspection authorisation in 2002.

McDermott also served as a crew chief on various airframes, including the UH-1H, UH-60, and CH-47D, during his time in the United States Army and at Dyncorp Aerospace in Mannheim, Germany.

In recent months, McDermott has helped ASU advance several company initiatives, including working with operators to obtain EASA STCs on numerous aircraft. When McDermott started with ASU, he played a vital role in establishing proven night vision modification methodologies for aircraft lighting and streamlining certification.