Chapter 4 Helicopter Operations Flashcards
How often must NVG equipment been inspected?
As per 4.10 Section C
NVG equipment must have been inspected within the processing 180 days
For the purpose of currency, what is a night vision goggle operation?
As per 4.10 D 2 a NVGO is
i. Aircraft and NVG visual inspection and operational check
ii. Before takeoff NVG check
iii. a takeoff and landing using NVG (a climb out, cruise, descent and approach using NVG)
iv. area departure and area arrival tasks
v. transition from aided NVG flight to unaided night flight and then back to NVG flight
vi. a hovering task using NVG (May be combined with the takeoff and landing above)
What are the recency of experience requirements?
As per 14 CFR 61.57(f)
Pilots must utilize NVG while performing and operating 6 NVGO as the sole manipulator of the flight controls…
To carry passengers the look back period begins 2 months prior to the current month…
To act as PIC without passenger the look back period begins 4 calendar months prior to the current month
Explain the process for preparing for an NVGO flight
As per 4.10
-confirm proper operation of NVGO lighting
-check blackout curtains if installed
Ensure windshield and windscreen are clean and free from defects
-check the NVGO inspection log
-check the batteries are fresh
-inspect the NVGs and install on helmet
-adjust focus and check for operational defects
-check for MEL items critical to night flight
-RAD ALT AND ONE CONTROLLABLE LANDING LIGHT MUST BE OPERABLE
What are the unacceptable operational defects for NVGs?
Shading: a condition encountered when a full circular image cannot be attained
Edge Glow: a bright area (sometimes sparkling) in the outer portion of a viewing area
Flashing, Flickering or Intermittent Operation: the NVGs may appear to flicker on and off, or the output may flash
What are the acceptable operational defects for NVGO?
- bright spots
- emission points
- black spots
- fixed pattern noise (honeycomb)
- chicken wire
- image disparity
- image distortion
- output brightness variation
What should be included in a crew member briefing prior to each shift?
- general weather conditions and anticipated delays to dispatch
- light discipline
- confirmation that NVGO equipment has been checked and any restrictions to NVGO
Prior to each flight
- weather conditions for the route
- obstacles and significant terrain along the route
- using CRM, encourage the crew to ask questions to maintain crew situational awareness
How often must NVG equipment be inspected?
Within the preceding 180 days
What are the VFR weather minimums?
As per 4.5
1,000’ ceiling and 3SM
Or 1,000’ ceiling and 5SM for mountainous non-local
(Non-local night is always 5SM and ceiling is 1500 for mountainous without NVG but we don’t do this)
What is the enroute decision point?
As per 4.6
When flying in deteriorating weather, when 90kts or 500’ is reached then EDP will automatically be triggered. The PIC will announce “Decision Point” over the ICS and
- turn around
- divert
- land
- file and continue IFR
What is the minimum altitude that must be maintained?
As per 4.7
Day 300’ over the highest obstacle within 1,000’ horizontally
Night 500’ over the highest obstacle within 2,000 horizontally
As per 4.8
At least 1,000’ whenever weather and ATC allows
Preferably 2,500 for bird avoidance
What is aided night flight?
Aided night flight is a flight that begins one hour after sunset and ends 1 hour before sunrise where the pilot uses night vision goggles to maintain visual surface reference in an aircraft.
What are acceptable manners for storing NVGs?
- locked inside the aircraft
- ensure police or security are watching the aircraft while the crew is away
- another method approved by chief or DO
It is NOT permissible to carry the NVGs around on a lanyard
The procedure does not apply to elevated heliports with crew only access
Explain the MAI Instrument Proficiency Program
As per 4.11
Pilots will complete IPP training in an aircraft for which they are already qualified
-approximately one hour per quarter (less than one hour put comment on training form)
-accompanied by MAI instructor, check airman or TRAINED safety pilot
-view limiting device will be used
-aircraft must be equipped with dual controls
-one quarter satisfied with sim training
Explain the monthly IFR Proficiency
As per 4.12
All 135.297 qualified pilots will accomplish at least one hour of IFR proficiency each month using a combination of
- one or more HAA flights conducted in IMC
- the completion of scheduled part 135 IFR training, .297 qualification check, or quarterly IPP training
- IFR orientation flight in IMC with medcrew
- monthly IFR proficiency training
- 3 IFR flights completed
