KZN helicopter pilots switch to night vision goggles

Two AgustaWestland 119Ke helicopters based in Durban and Richards Bay are equipped for night flying. Ten pilots have been trained in their use. The KwaZulu-Natal Aero-Medical System expects an increase of 20-30 percent in night flying operations.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu described the launch of the NVGs as a radical transformation of the emergency health services in the country.
╥The NVG system will assist in bringing essential health services to all our people, especially those in far flung areas which were previously neglected," said Mr Mchunu. ╥The KZN government want to ensure that by 2030 the Province of KwaZulu-Natal becomes a prosperous Province, with healthy, skilled and secure people, acting as a gateway to Africa and the world.
╥However, we are cognisant of the fact that we cannot achieve this alone. That is why we are committed to forming partnerships with other stakeholders. I want to express my appreciation to all the role-players who are involved in this ground-breaking medical system. I can mention the Red Cross Air Mercy Services, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and other important players such as health professionals across all categories.╥
Night Vision Goggles allows the user better visibility in night conditions. It's said that a crew on board the helicopter using NVGs can see a person standing over 183 metres away on a moonless, cloudy night.
According to the KZN Department of Health, landing zones are being established and landing strips refurbished. A number of hospitals are able to accept night flights including Eshowe, KwaMagwaza (Melmoth), Ulundi Airfield (Nkonjeni), Ceza, Vryheid, Itshelejuba (Pongola), St Benedictine (Nongoma), Hlabisa, Mkuze Airfield (Bethesda), Mosvold, Manguzi, Mseleni, Dukuduku (St Lucia), and Ngwelezane.