Fixed Wing Vfr Pilot
Night Vision Goggle Training and Currency
Requirements for the Fixed-Wing VFR Pilot
Manuel Gomez
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
ASCI 691 Graduate Capstone Course
Submitted to the Worldwide Campus in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of
Master of Aeronautical Science
March, 2013
Abstract
The current FAA mandated Night Vision Goggle (NVG) training and currency requirements will be evaluated to determine their suitability when applied to the fixed-wing VFR rated pilot. A comprehensive examination of the capabilities and limitation of NVG technology will be presented and analyzed across the scope of aviation related topics. An evaluation of NVG related guidance by different countries …show more content…
10 2 Basic NVG operation concept. 11 3 NVG Helmet Mount. 13 4 MIL-L-85762A Type A & Type B lighting 15 5 NVG binocular assembly adjustment and focusing components 17
List of Tables
Table Page 1 Part 61 NVG Ground Training Cost Estimate 39 2 NVG Training Study Participant Characterization 41 3 Participant’s Current Area of Operations 42 4 Mann Whitney Test Results on Assessment of NVG Task Suitability by NVG Training Status 46 5 Mann Whitney Test Results on …show more content…
It may appear counterintuitive but the presence of bright external light sources in the operating area can be problematic to NVG operations. Even when operating an aircraft with NVIS-compatible lighting, external bright light sources can over saturate the NVGs. If the bright scene covers most of the NVGs FOV the user can be flash-blinded in a fashion similar to turning a light on in a dark room after a person’s eye have adjusted to darkness (Howard, Riegler, & Martin, 2001). At the same time, the NVGs’ BSP and ABC functions detect the increased brightness and reduce the device’s sensitivity. Depending on the brightness and duration of the event this may result in a period of time (seconds to minutes) where the pilot loses his/hers night vision adaptation as well as the NVG enhancement capability. Also, during this time pilots may find it difficult to read dimly lighted cockpit instruments which could be needed as a backup to maintain situational awareness (Howard et al.,
Requirements for the Fixed-Wing VFR Pilot
Manuel Gomez
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
ASCI 691 Graduate Capstone Course
Submitted to the Worldwide Campus in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of
Master of Aeronautical Science
March, 2013
Abstract
The current FAA mandated Night Vision Goggle (NVG) training and currency requirements will be evaluated to determine their suitability when applied to the fixed-wing VFR rated pilot. A comprehensive examination of the capabilities and limitation of NVG technology will be presented and analyzed across the scope of aviation related topics. An evaluation of NVG related guidance by different countries …show more content…
10 2 Basic NVG operation concept. 11 3 NVG Helmet Mount. 13 4 MIL-L-85762A Type A & Type B lighting 15 5 NVG binocular assembly adjustment and focusing components 17
List of Tables
Table Page 1 Part 61 NVG Ground Training Cost Estimate 39 2 NVG Training Study Participant Characterization 41 3 Participant’s Current Area of Operations 42 4 Mann Whitney Test Results on Assessment of NVG Task Suitability by NVG Training Status 46 5 Mann Whitney Test Results on …show more content…
It may appear counterintuitive but the presence of bright external light sources in the operating area can be problematic to NVG operations. Even when operating an aircraft with NVIS-compatible lighting, external bright light sources can over saturate the NVGs. If the bright scene covers most of the NVGs FOV the user can be flash-blinded in a fashion similar to turning a light on in a dark room after a person’s eye have adjusted to darkness (Howard, Riegler, & Martin, 2001). At the same time, the NVGs’ BSP and ABC functions detect the increased brightness and reduce the device’s sensitivity. Depending on the brightness and duration of the event this may result in a period of time (seconds to minutes) where the pilot loses his/hers night vision adaptation as well as the NVG enhancement capability. Also, during this time pilots may find it difficult to read dimly lighted cockpit instruments which could be needed as a backup to maintain situational awareness (Howard et al.,