Documents

• CASA 288/07 – Direction – use of night vision devices prohibited in private operations
• CAO 82.6 Night vision goggles — helicopters
• CAO 82.0 Amendment Order (No. 1) 2007 and instrument CASA 30/07 (Direction - use of night vision devices prohibited in private operations)
• Guidance for NVIS Operations Manual/FRMS Amendment - Fatigue Risk Management
• Form 538 Application for the NVG Authorisation

Trial of Night Vision Goggles

CASA has recently completed the NPRM process for CAO 82.6 supported by CAAP 174-1 which provides standards for the use of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) in civilian helicopter operations. CASA has committed to industry and the Helicopter Association of Australasia (HAA) to review those standards over a 12 month period in the form of a trial. For safety reasons, the trial is limited to approved operators in specialised operations (EMS, SAR, law enforcement, marine pilot transfer, aerial fire fighting support, and NVG training). The results of the trial will be used by CASA to test and refine NVG standards for incorporation in proposed Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASRs).

Civil Aviation Order 82.6 was registered on the 30th of July 2007 and became effective on the 31st of July 2007.  This document sets out NVG standards and operational requirements, and providing for the trial and the approval process for participants.

Eligible operators may submit applications through the CASA service centre, using the “Application for NVG authorisation - Application Form 538”. 
For safety reasons, CASA has also directed that NVGs may not be used in any private operations by industry with the exception of NVG training (other than initial training) by an approved NVG operator, for a permitted NVG operation, in accordance with CAO 82.6.

To evaluate the results of the trial, CASA has established a CASA/Industry NVG working group made up of representatives from each approved / proposed NVG operator; observers and representatives from the Helicopter Association of Australasia.

The NVG working group will review NVG operations under the trial and make recommendations to CASA on the following:

• results from the trial and how these might affect the standards and requirements in the CAO 82.6;
• overseas considerations and developments;
• review of any NVG/NVIS "adverse events" based on data from reports submitted by participants - the data will be de-identified and, as far as possible, used only with the participant's consent;
• human factors/fatigue review.

The CASA/Industry NVG working group meetings are currently held quarterly.

Towards the end of the 12 month trial, based on its results and taking into account the recommendations of the participants, CASA will review NVG operations and decide whether the NVG standards and requirements are sufficiently well developed and tested to be incorporated in a new CASR, or whether the trial should continue on the same or an adjusted basis for a further period.

Non-participating AOC holders who can meet the standards and requirements of CAO 82.6 may apply at any time during the trial for approval to use NVGs and join the trial. Obviously, however, early participants can expect to be most closely involved and influential in the trial process by virtue of their sustained engagement.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact CASA by e-mail to nvis@casa.gov.au .