I don't know how old this is but read this for info.... (apologie for the large post, can't get it ti link)
Challenges for Global Aviation Operations Page 1
Handout #3
NIGHT VISION GOGGLES
Topic:
The hours of darkness add to a pilot’s workload by decreasing those visual cues
commonly used during daylight operations. Night Vision Goggles (NVG) has provided
the industry with the ability to see at night and enhance operations. NVG’s have been
cited in several FAA/Industry studies as a means to prevent Controlled Flight Into
Terrain (CFIT) accidents. Continuing technological improvements have advanced the
capability and reliability of NVGs that FAR Part 135 on-demand operators have
requested use of the NVIS in commercial operations as a tool for night.
Night Vision Goggles (NVG) is the common term use for NVIS operations. The
complete description and performance standards of the NVG and cockpit lighting
modifications appropriate to civil aviation are contained in the Minimum Operational
Performance Standards (MOPS) for Integrated Night Vision Imaging System Equipment
(RTCA/DO-275).
Currently, these systems consist of:
• Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
• Interior and exterior aircraft lighting modifications
• Cockpit windows (e.g., windshield, windows, chin bubbles, etc.)
• Crew station design and components
• Radar altimeter
Since NVG do have performance limitations, it is important that proper training methods
and detailed operational procedures to minimize NVG limitations.
Industry request.
Discussion of Issues:
Initially developed for the military, Night Vision Goggles are devices that collect light
energy, amplify and present the light providing the operator with an enhanced view of
the scene outside the aircraft, thus improving situational awareness during night VFR
operations.
Part 135 operators initially petitioned the FAA to allow NVG operations use in the late
1980’s. It was determined at that time that NVGs were not advanced enough to be
utilized in civil operations. A later 1994 FAA study (DOT/FAA/RD-94/21, 1994)
summarized the need for NVG by stating: “When properly used, NVG’s can increase
safety, enhance situational awareness, and reduce pilot workload and stress that are
typically associated with night operations.”
Challenges for Global Aviation Operations Page 2
Handout #3
The military use of NVGs was to enable tactical Nap-of-the-Earth or low-level terrain
flight at night. This is not intent of civil use of NVG. The intent of the FAA is to
authorize the use of NVG to improve the safety of night-flight. This means that all FAR
requirements must be complied with during a flight. The use of NVG will not enable any
mode of flight which cannot be flown within the framework of the existing FAR’s. The
civil use of NVG will be approved for the purpose of enhancing the operational safety.
FAA determined that that NVGs are an appliance and require FAA certification and
specific approval according to specific procedures outlined in 14 CFR part 21 and that
the use of NVGs in Part 91 and 135 operations may only be authorized with specific
FAA approval.
The FAA worked with RTCA to define the training and certification of pilots and other
crewmembers, aircraft, and for the development of a night vision goggle TSO to allow
their usage in the NAS. The RTCA is a not-for-profit corporation formed to advance the
art and science of aviation and aviation electronic systems for the benefit of the public.
The organization functions as a Federal Advisory Committee that develops consensus
based recommendations on contemporary aviation issues.
Flight Standards has completed the development of operation specifications, to allow
Part 135 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service operators to perform night vision
operations.
Initial Approval Process.
When the military first started using NVGs, they initially suffered a high accident rate
due to non-standardized training and equipment. When the decision was made to allow
civil NVG operations, we were determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past, but to
learn from it. Three major areas of emphasis were identified: 1) the goggles, 2) aircraft
interior and exterior lighting, and 3) training.
The FAA worked with RTCA and the industry for the development of a Technical
Standard Order (TSO) for the goggles NVGs. RTCA also addressed the aircraft interior
and exterior lighting and training issues. The FAA has also coordinated its efforts with
the UK CAA, European JAA, EUROCAE, the Australian CAA and the US Department of
Defense. The FAA also coordinated its activities with operators of NVGs, including
other federal agencies and Rega, a Swiss air ambulance organization.
CRITERIA
The FAA determined that NVG’s would be used ONLY as an aid to VFR flight and that
no reduction in VFR minimums would be permitted.
Initial Operational Approval was limited to Limited to Part 135 Air Ambulance operators.
This process required the use of the Flight Standardization Board (FSB) process for
Challenges for Global Aviation Operations Page 3
Handout #3
certifying 14 CFR Part 135 operators to conduct operations and training in the use of
NVGs. Once approved, the operator was issued 2 STC’s, one for the aircraft lighting
modification, and a second for the training program. Operators were also issued Part
135 NVG Operations Specifications.
Current approval process.
We now have 5 years of Part 135 NVG operational history. The industry has been
conducting training and operations with standardized NVG training programs.
The Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for NVG’s has been
developed and published by RTCA, Inc in RTCA/DO-275. The NVG Technical
Standards Orders (TSO) will be issued shortly. The FAA has published new handbook
guidance to be used by principal operations inspectors (POI) when evaluating request
for use of night vision goggles (NVG), evaluating a NVG training program, and Minimum
Equipment List (MEL) and prior to the issuance of OpSpecs.
The FAA Aircraft Certification Office is responsible for:
• Approving the STC modifications of the aircraft.
• The aircraft lighting and NVG installation.
• The flight-tests for NVIS compatibility.
• Rotorcraft Flight Manual supplement.
Now only one STC approval will be issued for the installation of NVG compatible
equipment (lighting).
NVG INSTRUCTORS
In order to maintain a high quality of instruction the operators approved training program
requires all instructors to have a minimum of 100 HNVGO in equivalent NVG
equipment.
Potential for Future Work:
Flight Standards has completed a rulemaking project, “Pilot, Flight Instructor, and Pilot
School Certification Rules” which includes the establishment of pilot and flight instructor
training, recency of experience, and qualification requirements to perform night vision
operations.
The FAA proposes to issue a NVG SFAR dealing with the following:
• Defining night vision goggles and night vision goggles operations.
Challenges for Global Aviation Operations Page 4
Handout #3
• Logging of NVG time.
• Criteria and standards for logging night vision goggle time.
• NVG recency operating experience requirement in order to remain PIC qualified
for night vision goggle operations.
• Training for operating with night vision goggles.
• Night vision goggle proficiency check requirement in order to regain PIC qualified
for night vision goggle operations.
• Flight instructor qualifications for giving the PIC night vision goggle qualification
and recency training requirements.
• Certification requirement of aircraft and pilot in order to conduct NVG operations.
Of note are the following.......
“When properly used, NVG’s can increase safety, enhance situational awareness, and reduce pilot workload and stress that are typically associated with night operations.”
The FAA determined that NVG’s would be used ONLY as an aid to VFR flight and that no reduction in VFR minimums would be permitted.
The use of NVG will not enable any mode of flight which cannot be flown within the framework of the existing FAR’s.
It will certainly be an expensive exercise for whoever takes it on when you take into account the issues as discussed in the FAA document. Aircraft modifications and approvals, flight tests, flight manual supplements, MEL's, Instructor training and approval, 100 hours NVG experience for instructors etc etc..................