NVGs Tactical operations

Question 1

Flight operations at night use many of the same techniques as day flight; however

Answer 1

night flight is inherently more dangerous due to visual limitations which affect mission planning and execution for aided and unaided flight.

Question 2

Aircraft Lighting:

Answer 2

The use of aircraft lights should be standardized to reduce adverse effects on night vision. AR 95-1, ATM, aircraft operator’s manual, and the unit SOP will help define the standardization.

Question 3

Night Flight Techniques:

Answer 3

● Hover: It is impossible to overstate the importance of scanning during night flight, whether unaided or using NVG. With peripheral vision reduced or eliminated, it can be very difficult to detect aircraft drift. The surface type surrounding a hovering helicopter affects an aviator’s ability to judge movement.

● Takeoff: If enough illumination is available to view obstacles, the aviator can accomplish takeoff as a day VMC takeoff. If illumination is insufficient, the aviator should make an altitude-over-airspeed takeoff until the aircraft reaches an altitude that clears obstacles.

● En Route: The viewing distance increases with altitude. However, depth perception and visual acuity decrease significantly at higher flight altitudes. Long flights overwater without a radar altimeter should be avoided.

● Landing: With reduced visual capability at night, night LZs should be larger than day LZs. Night LZs should be relatively clear of obstacles o approach and takeoff paths.

Question 4

Emergency Procedures:

Answer 4

Aviators should be able to locate and use cockpit equipment associated with immediate action emergency procedures without cockpit lighting ensuring the proper control switch can be identified.

Question 5

Reference:

Answer 5

Reference: TC 3-04.4 Ch. 5