NVG Training

Why You Need NVG Training

Night VFR presents risks not typically associated with flying during day VFR. The loss of important in-flight clues greatly reduces a pilots’ ability to safely conduct operations at night. Night Vision Goggles, also known as NVG’s, are helmet-mounted devices which amplify available light. NVGs greatly improve night flying operations, especially in areas of limited celestial or surface reference lights. Using NVGs, pilots can now venture out in the darkness almost as safely as during the daytime.

Improvements in NVG technology and manufacturing processes have lowered the cost of Night Vision Goggles. Civilian operators can now afford to utilize NVGs for their night time operations. For this reason, many helicopter operators are seeking both NVG-trained pilots as well as NVG training for existing pilots on staff.

The use of NVGs requires specific ground training, flight training, flight experience and proficiency. In order to conduct NVG operations, the FAA requires pilots acting as pilot in command, to be NVG Qualified. This endorsement must be made by an authorized instructor in Night Vision Goggle ground and flight training.

HeliStream has been granted Night Vision Goggle Endorsement Authority. Because of our unique locale, you will receive NVG training in rural, urban, coastline/ocean-side, and high-altitude mountain environments; an advantage not found in other areas of the country.

Our NVG Training Course includes the following:

NVG Ground Training:

1. Regulations that relate to Night Vision Goggle Limitations
2. Regulations that relate to Night Vision Goggle Flight Operations
3. Aero medical Factors related to the use of night vision goggles
   1. How to protect night vision
   2. How the eyes adapt to night
   3. Self-imposed stresses that affect night vision
   4. Effects of light on night vision
   5. Cues used to estimate distance and depth perception at night
4. Visual Illusions
5. Normal, abnormal, and emergency operations of night vision goggle equipment
6. Night vision goggle performance and scene interpretation
7. Night vision goggle operation flight planning
8. Night terrain interpretation
9. Factors affecting night terrain interpretation

NVG Flight Training:

• Preflight and use of internal and external aircraft lighting systems for night vision goggle operations
• Preflight preparation of night vision goggles for night vision goggle operations
• Proper piloting techniques when using night vision goggles during takeoff, climb, enroute, descent, and landing phases of flight
• Normal, abnormal, and emergency flight operations using night vision goggles
• Enhanced Operational Readiness provided by Night Vision Goggle Training
• Search and Rescue or SAR
• Emergency Medical Services or EMS
• Aerial Fire Fighting
• Tactical Reconnaissance (Military, Para-Military, Law Enforcement, News Gathering)

NVG Initial Training

NVG Course Requirements:

1. Hold a Private or Commercial Helicopter rating
2. Hold a valid medical certificate
3. Obtain 8 hours of ground training
4. Obtain 6 hours of flight training

NVG Refresher Training

NVG Course Requirements:

1. Hold a Private or Commercial Helicopter rating
2. Previous NVG Qualification
3. Hold a valid medical certificate
4. Obtain 4 hours of ground training
5. Obtain 2 hours of flight training

Training Location

NVG Training is conducted at our facility at the John Wayne Airport. Training can also be provided however, at the location of your choice. Please contact us for details.

In addition to all the listed courses, HeliStream offers NVG Emergency Procedures Training, which include Full Touch-Down Autorotations.

Rates for training are available upon request.