RDL
Homepage

Table of
Contents

Document
Information

CHAPTER 4

NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

Night flight has assumed an increasingly important role in Army aviation. Because the threat operates around the clock, aircrews must be able to conduct operations at night as well as during the day. Night vision devices enable Army aviation to operate around the clock. This chapter outlines NVG training, criteria, and procedures.

4-1. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY IMPERATIVES

4-2. AIRCREW NVG TRAINING

4-3. RATED CREW MEMBER AND AEROSCOUT OBSERVER NVG TRAINING

NVG readiness levels are the training status classification of individual crew members for NVG purposes. Some crew members may have more than one RL. For example, a crew member may be RL 1 and RL 3 in the same aircraft: RL 1 for aircraft continuation training, and RL 3 for NVG refresher training. The commander may designate a crew member's NVG readiness level based on a records check. (ARNG personnel should refer to NGR (AR 95-1) 95-210.) Units will conduct NVG RL training and proficiency flight evaluations to reestablish NVG currency at night in the aircraft under actual NVG conditions. The only exceptions are the one-hour static cockpit training period required in initial NVG qualification training and the conditions outlined in paragraph b(1)(d) below. The criteria specified in paragraph 2-5 applies also to NVG RL progression. Aviators in NVG-designated positions must start their NVG RL progression no later than their day/night RL 1 progression date.

Introduction to NVG

Night terrain interpretation

NVG ground and air safety

Night tactical operations, to include lighting

NVG navigation, to include map preparation

Aircraft modification requirements for NVG flight

Vision, depth perception, and night vision orientation

Figure 4-1. NVG academic subjects

  Hours
Academic training1 
SFTS or static aircraft training period2 1.0
Demonstration and practice of NVG tasks as per the individual ATM and
any additional tasks designated by the commander
5.0
Flight evaluation3 2.0
    Total Time4
8.0

 
    1Academic training should include the subjects shown in Figure 4-1.
    2If done in an aircraft, the training must be conducted at night.
    3This evaluation may be continual.
    4The total time, excluding the SFTS or static aircraft training period, may be reduced to no less than 4.5 hours based on the IP's or SP's recommendation concerning the aviator's proficiency.

Figure 4-2. NVG training guide

NOTE: Aviators who have undergone initial NVG mission training may not need additional mission training when transitioning into the same type of aircraft with the same type of mission. However, if mission tasks were not trained in the previous aircraft, the aviator must receive training on those tasks. For example, OH-6 aviators who are transitioning into an OH-58 may not require additional training unless they were not trained on a specific task. An aviator who received initial NVG mission training in a UH-1 would require initial mission training after becoming NVG qualified in the CH-47.

4-4. NONRATED CREW MEMBER NVG TRAINING (EXCLUDING AEROSCOUT OBSERVERS)

Commanders must establish, in writing, an NVG training program for NCMs when flight missions include the use of NCMs. (See paragraph 4-12.) The program will include NVG qualification, refresher, mission, and continuation training. An NVG IP or SP should supervise NCM training and evaluations. SPs, IPs, UTs, SIs, and FIs, as appropriate, will conduct the flight training. Units must document nonrated crew member NVG training according to Chapter 3 of this publication.

NOTE: The trainer or evaluator will not occupy a crew position with access to the flight controls while conducting NCM training or evaluations.

  Hours
Static aircraft 1.0
In-Flight Qualification 5.0
    (Scanning techniques, identification of aircraft structural limitations, distance
    estimation and depth perception, knowledge of restrictions to visibility, and
    terrain interpretation.)
 
In-Flight Mission 3.0
    (May be conducted concurrently with in-flight qualification.)
 
In-Flight Emergency 1.0
    (May be conducted concurrently with in-flight qualification.)
 
In-Flight Evaluation 1.0
    (May be continual.)
 
      Total Time*
11.0

 
*The total time, including the hours spent in a static aircraft, may be reduced to no less than 5.5 hours based on the instructor's recommendation concerning the NCM's proficiency.

Figure 4-3. Nonrated crew member NVG qualification and mission training

NOTE: An NCM who has completed NVG mission training may not need additional mission training when transitioning to the same type of aircraft with the same type of mission. For example, an NCM who completes NVG mission training in a UH-1 may not need additional training when transitioning into a UH-60. If mission tasks were not trained in the previous aircraft, the NCM must receive training on those tasks.

4-5. NONRATED CREW MEMBER NVG INSTRUCTOR

The unit commander appoints an NVG FI to assist in the implementation and evaluation of NVG qualification, refresher, mission, and continuation training for NCMs. The FI also will help implement and evaluate the academic portion of qualification or refresher training.

4-6. NONRATED CREW MEMBER NVG STANDARDIZATION INSTRUCTOR

NVG SIs provide technical supervision of the NVG standardization program for unit commanders. They are highly qualified NCMs who are selected on the basis of their training, knowledge, experience, judgment, maturity, and proven instructing ability.

4-7. NVG PILOT IN COMMAND

NVG PCs are designated, in writing, by the commander. They must complete an NVG PC evaluation administered at night in the aircraft by an NVG IP or SP. They also must maintain NVG currency and continuation training requirements. An NVG PC must be current for all missions. (The intent is for the PC to be qualified to do the task during the day before doing the task using NVG.) The NVG PC who is not an NVG UT, IP, or SP is prohibited from conducting NVG mission (RL 2 progression) training.

4-8. NVG UNIT TRAINER

NVG UTs are appointed by the unit commander to assist in aviator or AO NVG mission and continuation training. They also assist with the academic portion of NVG qualification or refresher training. However, NVG UTs are prohibited from conducting emergency procedures training, NVG qualification and refresher flight training, and other training that requires an NVG IP or SP. The NVG UT may conduct NCM academic and flight training.

NOTE: NVG UTs must maintain NVG currency and continuation training requirements.

4-9. NVG INSTRUCTOR PILOT

NVG IPs train and evaluate aviators, AOs, UTs, SIs, and FIs in designated aircraft. They are designated, in writing, by the commander.

4-10. NVG STANDARDIZATION INSTRUCTOR PILOT

NVG SPs provide technical supervision of the unit's NVG standardization program. They are highly qualified IPs who are selected on the basis of their training, knowledge, experience, judgment, maturity, and proven instructor pilot ability. NVG SPs are designated, in writing, by the commander.

4-11. ANNUAL NVG EVALUATION

NOTE: For NVG purposes, all UH-1 aircraft are considered similar and within the same group.

4-12. ADDITIONAL CREW MEMBER REQUIREMENTS

NOTE: Rated aviators who are occupying crew positions with access to the flight controls and are undergoing RL training with an IP, an SP, or a UT satisfy the three crew member requirement.

NOTE: The third and, if applicable, fourth crew member may use a different type of NVG than the crew members at the controls; for example, the GM-6 or the AN/AVS-6.

4-13. GENERAL NVG REQUIREMENTS

NOTE: After crew members complete AN/AVS-6 and AN/AVS-7 initial qualification, units will ensure that an entry is made on the crew member's DA Form 7122-R and transcribed to the DA Form 759 on closeout.

NOTE: Aviators who are not NVG qualified and current may perform NVG pilot duties provided they are current in the aircraft and are undergoing NVG RL training or evaluation per their ATP. However, a qualified and current NVG IP or SP wearing the same type of NVG must occupy a crew position with access to the flight controls.

NOTE: A formation is a flight in which two or more aircraft are in such proximity to each other that any movement by the lead aircraft must be duplicated by the others.

NOTE: The airspeeds shown above must be decreased if inclement weather or ambient light levels restrict visibility.

NOTE: The criteria in paragraphs g and k above do not apply to AH-64 aircraft. The PNVS is the primary night sensor, and the AN/AVS-6 is a supplemental night vision aid.