Helicopters Otago managing director and chief pilot Graeme Gale has received an international award for enhancing rescue services.
Mr Gale is responsible for bringing night vision goggles to New Zealand for use by non-military personnel, in particular emergency rescue helicopter pilots.
They have expanded the capability of rescue operations and increased the chances of survival of acutely ill patients and those in emergencies.
Mr Gale spent last week in the United States attending the Helicopter Association International's annual convention.
While in Texas he was presented with his accolade, which he won through Aviation Specialties Unlimited in its inaugural Night Vision Awards for 2010-11.
He was recognised in the International Advancement Award category for championing the need for night vision goggles and systems outside of North America.
Aviation Specialists is based in Idaho and was instrumental in helping Mr Gale introduce night vision technology to New Zealand for civilian use about five years ago.
Mr Gale said night vision technology had made a huge difference and saved many lives.
The goggles magnified light 3500 times. A cigarette lighter could be seen from kilometres away.
Obtaining night vision goggles was not easy because they were a restricted military item.
Mr Gale appreciated all the organisations which supported the project, especially the Civil Aviation Authority and air ambulance services.
