14.1 An NVIS flight test for an NVIS aircrew member must be conducted in actual flight.
14.2 A NVIS aircrew member qualification for any particular NVIS operation may only be awarded:
in accordance with the procedures for such an award set out in the operations manual of an NVIS operator approved for the particular NVIS operation; and
by an NVIS aircrew member instructor of the NVIS operator’s TCO.
Note An NVIS aircrew member qualification may be awarded to cover more than one particular NVIS operation but only if the NVIS operator is approved for each of the operations, and the operations manual contains relevant procedures for multiple awards.
Appendix 2
Directions under subregulation 215 (3) of CAR 1988 about the information, procedures and instructions in an operator’s operations manual
Part 1 — Preliminary
1 Scope and structure
1.1 NVIS operations are to be controlled primarily through the operator’s operations manual which must:
(a) contain information, procedures and instructions as directed by CASA under subregulation 215 (3) of CAR 1988; and
(b) contain information, procedures and instructions about the matters set out in Part 2 of this Appendix; and
(c) be accepted by CASA; and
(d) while complying with the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b), be revised from time to time where necessary as a result of changes to the operator’s operations, aircraft or equipment, or in the light of experience.
1.2 Before an operator conducts an NVIS operation, the matters provided for in Appendix 3 must be complied with.
2 Directions apply
2.1 The directions in Part 2 of this Appendix apply to each operator who conducts an NVIS operation unless other directions are issued to the operator in substitution for, or in addition to, these directions.
2.2 An operator’s operations manual must contain, as a minimum, the information, procedures and instructions required by Part 2 of this Appendix in the detail, and to a standard, acceptable to CASA.
Part 2 — Directions about information to be contained in an operations manual for NVIS operations.
3 Operations manual
3.1 For subregulation 215 (3) of CAR 1988, CASA directs that the operations manual of an NVIS operator must address, as a minimum, the matters listed in clause 4 in the detail, and to a standard, acceptable to CASA.
3.2 For subregulation 215 (3) of CAR 1988, CASA directs that if a provision of this Order, other than clause 4, mentions that the operations manual of an NVIS operator must include a matter, the matter must be addressed in the operations manual in the detail, and to a standard, acceptable to CASA.
4 Operations manual directions
4.1A Organisation chart
4.1A.1 An organisation chart which clearly indicates:
(a) the key NVIS-related positions and position-holders responsible for the operator’s NVIS operations; and
Note This would include, for example, the safety manager (however described), the NVIS chief pilot, the NVIS senior pilot, and the NVIS training and checking pilot.
(b) the lines of accountability and responsibility of these position holders:
(i) to the more senior people to whom they are accountable; and
(ii) to the more junior people for whom they are responsible.
4.1 Competency and procedures
4.1.1 Ongoing training programs for all NVIS flight crew ensuring that the requirements of Part 61 of CASR 1998 and this Order are met.
4.1.2 Qualifications for the pre-flight and post-flight inspection procedures and standards that are to be used by the flight crew to establish whether the relevant NVIS, including all NVIS components, are serviceable for use before and after a flight.
4.1.3 Procedures to be followed for introducing new aircraft or personal equipment to ensure compatibility with the NVIS standards and environment.
4.1.4 Procedures to be followed when introducing new crew, passengers or patients and their equipment and baggage to the NVIS operational environment to ensure NVIS operational environment compatibility.
4.2 Airworthiness and maintenance of night vision equipment and aircraft
4.2.1 Aircraft and NVIS pre-flight and post-flight procedures including:
(a) equipment checks; and
(b) procedures, including aircraft and NVIS equipment, inspection criteria; and
(c) storage; and
(d) quarantine; and
(e) logging of defects.
4.2.2 Manufacturer’s inspection criteria to be kept in the company technical library with copies accessible for ready reference to all NVIS crew.
4.2.3 MEL related to lighting systems.
Note If an operator does not have an existing approved MEL, the requirement in paragraph 4.2.3 may be met by incorporating the MEL in the operations manual.
4.2.4 Mounting system requirements for handling by pilots and other crew members.
4.2.5 Stowage and use procedures for crew members not using head mounted attachments.
4.2.6 Procedures that ensure NVIS operations are only conducted in a helicopter that is equipped and maintained for NVFR.
4.2.7 Manufacturer’s requirements for the maintenance and modification of aircrew flying helmets for NVIS use.
4.3 NVIS flight operations
4.3.1 Procedures and plans
Operational procedures and risk management plans (including fatigue awareness and management) for all intended NVIS flight profiles including over water and shipboard operations.
4.3.2 Post-NVIS endorsement requirements
Post-NVIS endorsement experience required before a person may be a pilot in command of any particular NVIS operation, including the following:
(a) the minimum pilot experience for the particular NVIS operation;
(b) the training required to ensure that the pilot is competent to conduct the NVIS operation;
(c) the requirements and authorisations for the pilot who is to conduct the training;
licencing requirements under Part 61 of CASR
(e) what (if any) additional recency is required for the particular NVIS operation.
4.3.3 Equipment
Equipment to be carried and used on NVIS flights or operations and associated limitations and serviceability.
4.3.4 NVIS flight crew composition, roles and responsibilities
(a) Minimum NVIS crew composition, qualifications, and experience requirements for each intended NVIS flight profile.
(b) Crew stations, duties and responsibilities for all crew in all phases of NVIS flight.
(c) Procedures, crew duties and crew co-ordination for transition between flight under the I.F.R. and flight under the NVFR.
(d) Logging of NVIS flight time.
4.3.5 Weather and environment
(a) Minimum weather conditions and alternate aerodrome requirements at departure, en route and at the destination or area of operations.
(b) Thunderstorm avoidance instructions.
(c) Guidance material on other operational environment conditions that may affect NVIS flight, including smoke, snow and dust haze, atmospheric moisture, predicted moon data, for example, moon rise and set times, elevation, ambient illumination and similar matters.
4.3.6 Dissimilar NVIS
(a) Where dissimilar NVIS are to be used:
(i) a hierarchical list of the various NVIS in terms of level; and
(ii) a statement requiring the pilot in command to wear the highest level of NVIS.
(b) A specific risk management plan for resolving any human factor or risk issues resulting from the differences between the dissimilar NVIS.
4.3.7 NVIS flight
(a) Pre-flight preparation, briefing, procedures and documentation.
(b) Minimum NVIS flight altitudes and requirements and limitations on flight below LSALT if such flight is permitted in accordance with this Order.
(c) Crew goggle up and de-goggle procedures and the procedures to ensure the delineation of aided and unaided flight.
(d) Procedures for the use of aircraft landing lights and searchlights when below LSALT for descent, approach, landing or take off, including procedures for wire and obstacle detection and avoidance using white light (for example from a steerable searchlight or night sun.
(e) Restrictions on close proximity and formation NVIS flights.
(f) Advice and guidance on the fatigue issues of NVIS operations and the physiological stressors of NVIS operations.
(g) Flight and duty times.
(h) Guidance for NVIS operations over low contrast terrain.
(i) Limitations and requirements for the carriage of passengers.
4.3.8 HLS operations
(a) Register for HLS-NVIS standard operations (as per CAAP 92-2 (1)) and HLS-NVIS basic operations.
(b) HLS procedures for HLS-NVIS basic and HLS-NVIS standard operations.
(c) Appropriate lighting requirements for a relevant alternate HLS to ensure compliance with clause 11A of Appendix 3, including a statement of the operator’s policy for, and the risk management procedures for, operations to which clause 11A of Appendix 3 applies.
4.4 Phraseology
4.4.1 The operations manual must provide for standard crew phraseology for all phases of NVIS flight and must, at a minimum, contain phraseology for:
(a) informing or advising of terrain or other obstructions when operating below LSALT; and
(b) NVIS aircrew members providing “the con” for the flying pilot, i.e. verbal corrections to rates of closure, movement, climbs and descents and verbal means of creating accurate mental pictures of the obstacle environment; and
(c) transition between flight under the I.F.R. and flight under the NVFR; and
(d) ensuring scan sector observation responsibility; and
(e) informing crew of emergency situations; and
(f) NVIS single tube failure and double tube failure and for selection of backup power; and
(g) informing or advising of obstacles or terrain, or of hazards such as whiteout, brown out, wires or other obstructions;
(h) flight into deteriorating in-flight visibility situations or loss of visual reference (including brownout or whiteout) and
(i) for multiple-crew NVIS operations — for “eyes in” and “eyes out” of the cockpit or the aircraft, including to ensure that at all times when the aircraft is below LSALT at least 1 crew member is conducting an NVIS scan outside the front of the aircraft.
4.4.2 For single crew NVIS operations, the operations manual must contain procedures to remind a single crew member to maintain a vigilant scan outside the helicopter.
4.5 Emergency procedures
4.5.1 The operations manual must provide for procedures, crew duties and crew co‑ordination in the event of the following:
(a) in-flight serviceability issues of NVIS equipment including:
(i) single tube failure; and
(ii) double tube failure (unit failure); and
(iii) equipment malfunctions (for example, causing “chicken wire”); and
(b) NVIS flight into deteriorating weather and visibility or complete loss of visibility conditions (including brownout or whiteout) including:
(i) when visibility is inadvertently lost on departure from, or arrival at, or over, a HLS; and
(ii) when in-flight “turn back” procedures, precautionary landings or reversion to unaided flight and flight rules are needed; and
(c) recovery to V.M.C. flight after inadvertent I.M.C. penetration; and
(d) aircraft malfunctions and emergencies; and
(e) white light failure requiring a no-light approach to landing.
4.6 Procedures for incendiary dropping and fire mapping
4.6.1 The operations manual must provide for the following:
(a) an incendiary dropping device in accordance with subparagraph 4.1 (c) (i) of Appendix 3 of this Order;
(b) the minimum NVIS pilot and NVIS aircrew member qualifications and experience required for NVIS operations involving incendiary dropping or fire mapping;
(c) procedures, crew duties and crew coordination for the matters mentioned in subclause 4.6.2.
4.6.2 For paragraph 4.6.1 (c), the matters are the following:
(a) the in-flight functioning and serviceability of the incendiary dropping device, including in relation to:
(i) failure or malfunction of the device, or of equipment on which the device is dependent for effective operation; and
(ii) fire in the device or that equipment; and
(iii) fire in the helicopter;
(b) the duties of the following:
(i) each NVIS aircrew member;
(ii) each incendiary dropping device operator;
(iii) each person carried to map, locate or observe fires.
Appendix 3 NVIS equipment and operations, certain NVIS qualifications and training, and special fire endorsements
Part 1 — Scope and structure
1 Matters to be complied with
The requirements of this Appendix for NVIS equipment, operations, qualifications and training must be complied with for an NVIS operation.
Part 2 — Minimum equipment and aircraft standards for NVIS operations
2 Aircraft lighting standards
2.1 Before an aircraft can be used in an NVIS operation, the aircraft lighting systems must be:
(a) NVIS compatible; or
(b) if not compatible — modified to be compatible.
2.2 The design of an aircraft lighting modification for NVIS operations must be based on the requirements of RTCA/DO-275, unless an alternative suitable design is demonstrated and acceptable to CASA.
2.3 The requirements of MIL-STD-3009 aircraft, NVIS compatible lighting may also be used if appropriate.
2.5 If an NVIS operator does not modify exterior helicopter lighting, he or she must prepare a risk management plan to support this outcome.
2.6 If the helicopter’s exterior lighting adversely affects NVIS performance, the pilot in command must:
(a) if he or she is satisfied there is no risk of collision with another aircraft — turn off the exterior lighting; or
(b) if he or she considers there is such a risk — immediately cease NVIS operations.
3 NVIS equipment
3.1 The minimum operational performance specification for NVIS equipment for use by flight crew in NVIS operations is:
(a) that defined in RTCA/DO 275, as modified by column 3 of the Table in Attachment 1 to this Appendix; or
(b) subject to paragraph 3.2 (f), a CASA approved equivalent in terms of tube resolution, system resolution, system luminance gain, photosensitivity and signal to noise ratio.
3.2 Each NVIS image intensifier tube and associated NVIS equipment (the NVIS tubes and equipment) must be:
(a) certified by its manufacturer as being for aviation use; and
(b) identified by the manufacturer’s unique serial number; and
(c) acquired directly from:
(i) the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s official supplier (the official source); or
(ii) a person who acquired it directly from an official source (the initial acquirer); or
(iii) a person who acquired it as the first or later acquirer in a line of direct and provable acquisitions originating from the initial acquirer (a subsequent acquirer); and
(d) for NVIS tubes and equipment acquired before the approval under clause 2 of Appendix 1 — the subject of documentation, supplied to CASA with the operator’s application for approval, proving the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c); and
(e) for NVIS tubes and equipment acquired after the approval under clause 2 of Appendix 1 — the subject of a report to CASA within 1 week of its acquisition proving the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c); and
Note 1 In this subclause, acquired includes acquired with, or without, valuable consideration.
Note 2 CASA considers the source of second-hand NVIS tubes and equipment to be a matter that may affect safety.
(f) for replacement of NVIS image intensifier tubes with tubes that are sourced from other than the original manufacturer of the NVIS:
(i) replaced as a pair; and
(ii) of the same form, fit and function as the tubes being replaced; and
(iii) such that the replacement does not to involve modification of the NVIS mounting frame or optical components; and
(iv) compliant with paragraph 3.1 (a).
Note US AN/AVS 9 NVISs, although manufactured by different manufacturers, are produced to the same US Department of Defense specification and, therefore, these tubes are interchangeable.
3.3 The requirements for maintenance of NVIS and other equipment set out in clause 3A must be complied with.
3.4 If dissimilar NVIS are used in an NVIS operation, the pilot in command must wear the highest level of NVIS in terms of resolution, gain and acuity.
Note Use of dissimilar NVIS does not remove the requirement that the minimum standard of any set used must be in accordance with subclause 3.1.
3.5 An NVIS pilot who occupies a control seat of a helicopter during an NVIS operation must use the NVIS manufacturer’s approved head mounted attachment device for the NVIS and must have both hands free for the flight control manipulation during aided flight.
Section 14 - Civil Aviation Order 82.6 (Night vision imaging system — helicopters) 2007 - NVIS aircrew members — flight testing | Zoe