3AMaintenance of NVIS and other equipment

3A Maintenance of NVIS and other equipment

3A.1 NVIS must be maintained, stored, and checked for serviceability, before an NVIS operation, in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and procedures.

3A.1A An operator conducting, or intending to conduct, an NVIS operation must have a documented maintenance program which includes procedures to ensure the following:

(a) that maintenance, inspection, and serviceability standards for the NVIS are met;

(b) that a biennial assessment is made to identify and rectify any degradation in the compatibility of the aircraft lighting systems with the NVIS.

Note RTCA/DO-275 provides guidance for the ongoing maintenance of installed NVIS compatible systems.

3A.1B The documented maintenance program mentioned in subclause 3A.1A must include a method for assessing NVIS compatibility with any subsequent aircraft modification, equipment introduction or repair that may have an effect on the aircraft’s NVIS compatibility.

3A.2 Any equipment installed as part of the approved type design or modified type design of a helicopter used in an NVIS operation, including operational and emergency equipment, must be maintained in accordance with the relevant instructions for continuing airworthiness issued by:

(a) the manufacturer of the helicopter and the equipment; and

(b) for a modified type design — the designer of the modification.

3A.3 Any other item of equipment fitted to, or carried on, the helicopter must not at any time adversely affect the safe operation of the helicopter.

3A.4 For subclause 3A.3, the NVIS operator must:

(a) identify and assess the risks associated with:

(i) the normal operation or dormancy of the equipment; and

(ii) any malfunction or failure of the equipment; and

(b) take appropriate action to mitigate any identified risk that would adversely affect the safe operation of the helicopter, including mitigation through:

(i) flight manual supplements; or

(ii) training of flight crew, aircrew or other relevant personnel; or

(iii) regular maintenance of the equipment in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations.

3A.5 Maintenance of NVIS must be carried out by an organisation that:

(a) complies with regulation 30 of CAR 1988 or Part 145 of CASR 1998 as if the regulation or the Part applied to the organisation for the maintenance of NVIS and its related equipment; and

(b) is endorsed by the manufacturer of the NVIS as an appropriate organisation to carry out maintenance on the NVIS.