NVG MASSAGES CW2 Rob Goebel

TOPICS: Resources and Points of Contact ASAM Message Jan 91 Scanning/Crew Coord ASAM Message Mar 04

COOL VIDEO This video has no relevance to this class

SOURCES: Night Vision Device Branch Web Page NVG Messages F Co NVG Reading File TC Night Flight Techniques and Procedures

POINTS OF CONTACT: NIGHT DIVISION DEVICE BRANCH Fort Rucker Alabama Building #616 Phone #: (334) /9515 Address: Web Page: www-rucker.army.mil/atb/nvd/nvdb.htm

JAN 91 (CDRUSAAVNC) SUBJECT: NIGHT VISION GOGGLE SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION ERRORS

SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION A recent safety center study of night crew error accidents has identified specific causal factors which, if corrected, should greatly reduce the numbers of Night/ Night Vision Goggle related accidents. The most frequently cited crew error factors relate to Scan and Crew Coordination.

SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION Accidents relating to scan error occur when any crew member discontinues his assigned scan without announcing his actions to the other crew members. The most significant scanning error is commonly referred to as fixation or channelizing. By concentrating solely on an object, other obstacles may be missed.

SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION The Best Techniques to Avoid Fixation: Do not dwell on a High Interest Target. Look away frequently but return as often as necessary. Be aware that fixation occurs frequently in unfamiliar situations or when the crew member is subject to anxiety.

SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION All crew members must be assigned an area of Scan Responsibility or Scan Sector. Every crew member must understand their responsibility to notify the other crew members when hazards to the aircraft become a factor.

SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION Terrain Flight with NVGs usually does not allow adequate time to complete formalized scan patterns. To scan effectively, a crew member must rotate his head and eyes slowly and continuously. Crew members may find it necessary to stop head movement momentarily to identify an object but must not fixate.

SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION The SAFETY Center study data shows specific profiles during which aircraft accidents were most likely to happen. From these profiles specific critical tasks that relate to scanning and crew coordination can be identified.

SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION VMC TAKEOFF VMC APPROACH HOVER OGE

SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION Optimum scanning and crew coordination during NVG terrain flight cannot compensate for excessive airspeed. This is especially true during periods of reduced illumination and visibility. Utilize most conservative rule.

MAR 04 ASAM COMMERCIAL NVG’s SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHTING LASER POINTERS BATTERY PACK ASSEMBLY AIRCRAFT LIGHTING

MAR 04 ASAM Commercial NVG’s are not authorized for use in Army Aircraft COMMERCIAL NVG USE

MAR 04 ASAM SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHTING Lighting Degradation Test: Step 1: Position aircraft in low lighting conditions Step 2: Position reflective material inches from your eye Step 3: Shine supplemental light onto the material Step 4: With unaided eye, look at the reflection on the windscreen Step 5: Then observe this same reflection with the ANVIS An acceptable light will allow aided vision through the reflection, and an unacceptable light will interfere

MAR 04 ASAM LASER POINTERS WARNING Lasers can permanently or temporarily degrade the ANVIS WARNING Any laser that is not a Class 1 device can cause permanent eye damage

MAR 04 ASAM LASER POINTERS Unit commanders must outline procedures for use of laser pointers. Any class 1 Near-IR laser is authorized for use in the aircraft. At the discretion of the PC, lasers other than class 1 may be used in the passenger/cargo area.

MAR 04 ASAM BATTERY PACKS The 3.6 volt lithium battery is not authorized. Use only non-rechargeable 1.5 volt AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries. Do not mix Alkaline and Lithium batteries within the same cartridge. Battery packs with frayed or broken tether cables are considered FMC.

MAR 04 ASAM AIRCRAFT LIGHTING Lighting which degrades the performance of the ANVIS must be modified with NVG compatible lighting. Taping or disablement are not authorized methods of modification. If the lighting can be attenuated, it will be carried as a Red /. If the lighting can’t be attenuated, it will be carried as a Circle Red X, restricting NVG operations until modified.

SUMMARY SCANNING AND CREW COORDINATION USE OF COMMERCIAL NVG’s SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHTING PRECEDURES LASER POINTERS BATTERY PACK ASSEMBLY NOTES AIRCRAFT LIGHTING CONSIDERATIONS

QUESTIONS?