Use of night vision goggles (NVG) in helicopter operations

Notice of Final Rule Making – NFRM 0705OS
Use of NVG in helicopter operations – CAO 82.6

Objectives of the CAO 82.6

To enact a discrete rule set and supporting advisory material for Night Vision Imaging Systems – Use of NVG in Helicopters for specific operations. Additionally:

  • Changes must be capable of being implemented;
  • Changes must not result in operators becoming non-compliant;
  • Change must meet equivalent level of safety or higher.

Key changes

  • NVG use as primary means of terrain avoidance will require an Instrument of Approval issued by CASA and will only be available to AOC holders;
  • NVG use will initially be limited to specific types of helicopter operations;
  • Standards developed in relation to initial, recurrency and line training for flight crews for the use of NVG;
  • Standards developed in relation to NVG qualifications and licence requirements for operators and flight crew;
  • Standards developed in relation to aircraft and NVG equipment airworthiness requirements for NVG;
  • Standards developed for the operational use of NVG;
  • CAR 215 direction provided for minimum Operations Manual content;
  • Exemptions granted for specific operations in relation to minimum height for V.F.R. flights at night (CAR174B); and
  • Introduction of a CAAP (174-1) giving comprehensive guidance to meeting the requirement of CAO 82.6 and additional general information on NVG.

Additional information

Contact Yvette Lutze or John Beasy, CAO 82.6 Project Leaders
email nprm0705os@casa.gov.au

 
Contact CASA