Originally Posted by
npasque
...the IR provides somewhat of an illusion which leads you to believe that you are higher than you actually are.
Far more likely is the possibility that the runway's 2% upslope and 100-ft width creates the illusion.
http://www.naco.faa.gov/pdfs/sw_180_23NOV2006.pdf
Re: Double Zero's comment on Night Vision Goggles -- this is a vastly different and far more sophisticated application. Gulfstream Aerospace has delivered over 350 bizjets equipped with EFVS. The IR image is displayed on a HUD as well as on the co-pilots heads-down EFIS.
http://www.gulfstream.com/gulfstreamevs/
FAA has fully embraced the technology. Provided the image is displayed on a conformal HUD ($$$$), FAR 91.175 now provides operational credit for use of EFVS systems, permitting descent below MDA/DA:
http://tinyurl.com/ymzrvy
Excepts below:
(l) Approach to straight-in landing operations below DH, or MDA using an enhanced flight vision system (EFVS)...
(3) The following visual references for the intended runway are distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot using the enhanced flight vision system:
(i) The approach light system (if installed); or
(ii) The following visual references in both paragraphs (l)(3)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section:
(A) The runway threshold, identified by at least one of the following:
(1) The beginning of the runway landing surface;
(2) The threshold lights; or
(3) The runway end identifier lights.
(B) The touchdown zone, identified by at least one of the following:
(1) The runway touchdown zone landing surface;
(2) The touchdown zone lights;
(3) The touchdown zone markings; or
(4) The runway lights.
(4) At 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation of the runway of intended landing and below that altitude, the flight visibility must be sufficient for the following to be distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot without reliance on the enhanced flight vision system to continue to a landing:
(i) The lights or markings of the threshold; or
(ii) The lights or markings of the touchdown zone;
Silverhawk: "...Checklist calls? Standard calls? Gash operation..."
The engineering test pilots at Gulfstream might disagree. As far as "standard calls" are concerned, the HUD symbology provides incredibly precise guidance, including airspeed deviation and glidepath reference line (with or without external GS signal). Read more about those here:
http://www.rockwellcollins.com/produ...ogy/index.html
Description of a competitive EFVS system here:
http://www.cmcelectronics.ca/En/Prod...erview_en.html
Best,
Zeffy