Personal Equipment - Torch
Gatvol
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Interesting on the light gloves but as I mentioned www.seitzinc.com has a finger light. Take a look, you can get it in White or Green LED. Very lightweight and velcros on whatever finger necessary. Works for me.
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Join Date: Jul 2004
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an interesting article on night adaptation
I was hunting for info on red vs. green & came across this article.
points of interest for those who want the abreviated version
and another titled the red myth
cheers
points of interest for those who want the abreviated version
COCKPIT ILLUMINATION
Red light was used for illumination of the cockpit in post-World War II aircraft because it, like red goggles, did not degrade dark adaptation. The intent was to maintain the greatest rod sensitivity possible, while still providing some illumination for central foveal vision. However, red cockpit lights interfered with reading maps and log books, especially for pre-presbyopic and presbyopic aviators. With the increased use of electronic and electro-optical devices for navigation the importance of the pilot's visual efficiency in the cockpit has increased and new concerns have arisen.
Low intensity, white cockpit lights are often used now because they afford a more natural visual environment within the aircraft, without degrading the color of objects.
....
ENHANCING AND MAINTAINING DARK ADAPTATION
Red Goggles or Spectacles
For maximum utilization of scotopic vision, 20 to 30 minutes in total darkness are required to attain satisfactory retinal dark adaptation. An alternative is to have the aircrew member wear red goggles for 20 to 30 minutes before flying. When worn in normal illumination, red goggles will not interfere significantly with the ability to read most maps, charts, manuals, etc., as long as the printing is not in red ink. Red goggles block all light except red, which enhances rod dark adaptation because red light does not stimulate the scotopic system.
There are some drawbacks to wearing red goggles or using red cockpit lighting. When reading maps, markings in red on a white background may be invisible. Red light also creates or worsens near-point blur in older far-sighted, presbyopic (decreased near focusing ability due to age), and pre-presbyopic aircrew. Under red light or using red goggles in normal light, red light is focused behind the retina due to the optics of the eye and more "near focusing" than average must be used to provide a clear image when reading at near.
.....
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are some ways for aviators to protect, improve, or maintain their operational night vision.
1. Complete a training course that emphasizes the inherent limitations of night vision
2. Keep spectacles, visors, and windscreens clean
3. Wear proper spectacle correction.
4. When practical, dark-adapt or use red goggles before night flying
5. Avoid bright lights, or at least protect one eye.
6. Do not fixate centrally, but scan and look 15-20 degrees to the side of the visual target.
7. Regularly wear sunglasses on sunny days, especially on days of night missions.
8. Eat an adequate diet that includes vitamin A.
9. Do not smoke.
10. Consider use of 100% oxygen at night, even at low altitudes.
Red light was used for illumination of the cockpit in post-World War II aircraft because it, like red goggles, did not degrade dark adaptation. The intent was to maintain the greatest rod sensitivity possible, while still providing some illumination for central foveal vision. However, red cockpit lights interfered with reading maps and log books, especially for pre-presbyopic and presbyopic aviators. With the increased use of electronic and electro-optical devices for navigation the importance of the pilot's visual efficiency in the cockpit has increased and new concerns have arisen.
Low intensity, white cockpit lights are often used now because they afford a more natural visual environment within the aircraft, without degrading the color of objects.
....
ENHANCING AND MAINTAINING DARK ADAPTATION
Red Goggles or Spectacles
For maximum utilization of scotopic vision, 20 to 30 minutes in total darkness are required to attain satisfactory retinal dark adaptation. An alternative is to have the aircrew member wear red goggles for 20 to 30 minutes before flying. When worn in normal illumination, red goggles will not interfere significantly with the ability to read most maps, charts, manuals, etc., as long as the printing is not in red ink. Red goggles block all light except red, which enhances rod dark adaptation because red light does not stimulate the scotopic system.
There are some drawbacks to wearing red goggles or using red cockpit lighting. When reading maps, markings in red on a white background may be invisible. Red light also creates or worsens near-point blur in older far-sighted, presbyopic (decreased near focusing ability due to age), and pre-presbyopic aircrew. Under red light or using red goggles in normal light, red light is focused behind the retina due to the optics of the eye and more "near focusing" than average must be used to provide a clear image when reading at near.
.....
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are some ways for aviators to protect, improve, or maintain their operational night vision.
1. Complete a training course that emphasizes the inherent limitations of night vision
2. Keep spectacles, visors, and windscreens clean
3. Wear proper spectacle correction.
4. When practical, dark-adapt or use red goggles before night flying
5. Avoid bright lights, or at least protect one eye.
6. Do not fixate centrally, but scan and look 15-20 degrees to the side of the visual target.
7. Regularly wear sunglasses on sunny days, especially on days of night missions.
8. Eat an adequate diet that includes vitamin A.
9. Do not smoke.
10. Consider use of 100% oxygen at night, even at low altitudes.
and another titled the red myth
cheers
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: England
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Could I suggest the Inova 24/7 which I have found very useful. It has white, red and flashing lights together with a number of clip/head options. (Not cheap though)
See:
http://www.inovalight.com/site.html?XO-ov
EG
See:
http://www.inovalight.com/site.html?XO-ov
EG
Cool as a moosp
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Ref the article on red light in the cockpit. Some years ago in a simulator of an aircraft that had red lighting on the instruments, the captain complained of feeling dizzy and could not focus. We stopped the session and the next day he went to the the eye specialists.
After about a week of tests they diagnosed "red light pre-focussing" where the brain does not know whether to focus at the red end or the white end of the spectrum, and does neither. We were all told to restrict the use of red light at night, and these days it is rare to see a red light fitted in an airliner flightdeck for this reason.
For some reason, after a flight, pilots are attracted to bars with red lights and further research is needed in this area.
FWIW
After about a week of tests they diagnosed "red light pre-focussing" where the brain does not know whether to focus at the red end or the white end of the spectrum, and does neither. We were all told to restrict the use of red light at night, and these days it is rare to see a red light fitted in an airliner flightdeck for this reason.
For some reason, after a flight, pilots are attracted to bars with red lights and further research is needed in this area.
FWIW
Gatvol
Join Date: Jun 2000
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pilots are attracted to bars with red lights and further research is needed in this area.
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: vocation
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The torch of choice for the serious professional
http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs...oductId=169589
http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs...oductId=169589
Gatvol
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Freight Mate
Ask them: http://www.pelican.com/
Ask them: http://www.pelican.com/
Watches with push buttons?
Rolex GMT Master II has no "push buttons" and is the mark of a real Aviator.
Nick....fighter pilots wear flashy jackets and big watches with push buttons!
REAL helicopter pilots would never be seen wearing a Flight Jacket with patches (beyond those found on the elbows).
Rolex GMT Master II has no "push buttons" and is the mark of a real Aviator.
Nick....fighter pilots wear flashy jackets and big watches with push buttons!
REAL helicopter pilots would never be seen wearing a Flight Jacket with patches (beyond those found on the elbows).
Gatvol
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Rolex GMT Master II has no "push buttons" and is the mark of a real Aviator.
Since you brought that up. Mine is getting a few years on it. The price for these things has gone through the roof, not because they are worth anything, but because us morons will pay the price.
Service via Rolex, NY ONLY every few years is not cheap either.
I find the cheapest still seems to be the Virgin Islands. Anybody get one cheaper. Stainless and Gold at about $5800
Flight jackets from www.flightsuits.com , good prices and good quality
Push buttons and dials on watches were great, back when I could read them.........
The best thing I have used is a Petzel headtorch. Get the one that has 3 x led's in it. Powered by 2 AAA's lasts for about 120 hours plus. It gives enough light to check the outside. Inside it is great, all you have to do is slip it over your head and guess what you have both hands free. I always wear it ( switched off ) when night flying just in case. Incidentally it is that small that you can hold it in your fist.
It costs about £ 20 from mountainering shops
It costs about £ 20 from mountainering shops
Well now Nick ol' buddy....for once you are entirely correct. The key is I know when to fly and when to push the buttons. There comes a time when one must revert to flying....and it helps if one can.
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Best flashlight (torch) to use for night flying
Hi everyone,
the winter is coming and that means nightflying again. I broke my personal small maglite, so I'm looking for a new flashlight. Does anyone have some recommendations?
My old one had a reddish light, but I heard the new ones have green/yellowish light and that should be better. Any ideas?
Regards,
CopterD
the winter is coming and that means nightflying again. I broke my personal small maglite, so I'm looking for a new flashlight. Does anyone have some recommendations?
My old one had a reddish light, but I heard the new ones have green/yellowish light and that should be better. Any ideas?
Regards,
CopterD
"Just a pilot"
All depends on what you use it for. All around versatility, the Minimag is hard to beat. I've got an LED conversion in, better battery and bulb life. Doesn't cast the long focused beam the quartz-halogen did.
I also carry a PALight in my flight suit pocket, (because too much light is an issue)-
http://www.palights.com/
And, a little Inova X1 on my belt- compact, bright, and projects a spot as well as the 2-D cell Maglite all our aircraft are equipped with. I bought mine at a Target store, but here's link-
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/s...318&sk=MC51419
Finally, headset and helmet both have Seitz mike lights, lightstick also in in a pocket- Kind of a lot?
I also carry a PALight in my flight suit pocket, (because too much light is an issue)-
http://www.palights.com/
And, a little Inova X1 on my belt- compact, bright, and projects a spot as well as the 2-D cell Maglite all our aircraft are equipped with. I bought mine at a Target store, but here's link-
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/s...318&sk=MC51419
Finally, headset and helmet both have Seitz mike lights, lightstick also in in a pocket- Kind of a lot?
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Region 5 / Region 4 / and sometimes Region 8?
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For in-flight I find it hard to beat my lip light, not too bright, hands free, and always shines where I look. For preflight, and general use I use a small flexible LED light from streamlight. Great for hard to see spots, and you can mount it on your kneeboard for in-flight use, though it's really too bright for dark night flying.
Plus there's always my mandated crappy pt. 135 flashlight.
Plus there's always my mandated crappy pt. 135 flashlight.