(16) Proposal to add training and qualification requirements for pilots who want to operate with night vision goggles.
Proposed Sec. 61.31(k) would require ground and flight training and a one-time instructor endorsement for a pilot to act as a PIC during NVG operations. Also, the FAA proposes to ``grandfather'' those PICs who previously qualified as a PIC for NVG operations under Sec. 61.31(k). Under proposed subparagraph (3), a pilot would not need the ``one-time'' NVG training and endorsement, provided the pilot can document satisfactory accomplishment of any of the following pilot checks for using NVGs in an aircraft:
Completion of an official pilot proficiency check for using NVGs and that check was conducted by the U.S. Armed Forces; or
Completion of a pilot proficiency check for using NVGs under part 135 of this chapter and that check was conducted by an Examiner or a Check Airman
(24) Proposal to provide for logging night vision goggle time.
Proposed Sec. 61.51(b)(3)(iv) would add a provision for logging ``night vision goggle time'' to show compliance with the training time and aeronautical experience required for acting as a PIC for NVG operations. The logging of NVG time would be permitted when performed in an aircraft in flight, in a flight simulator, or in a flight training device.
(29) Proposal to establish the criteria and standards for logging NVG time.
Proposed Sec. 61.51(k) would establish the criteria and standards for logging NVG time. This proposal would establish the minimum information required to be entered when logging time in a pilot's logbook. Per proposed Sec. 61.51(k)(3), the required information that is required to be logged for logging NVG time are the logbook entries covered under Sec. 61.51(b).
Under the proposal, a pilot may log NVG time using NVGs as the sole visual reference of the surface in an operation conducted in an aircraft at night (during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise) in flight. Alternatively, a pilot may log NVG time in a flight simulator or in a flight training device provided the flight simulator or flight training device's lighting system has been adjusted to replicate the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise.
Under proposed Sec. 61.51(k)(2), the rule would establish when an authorized instructor may log NVG time. The instructor must be conducting NVG training and must be using NVGs as the sole visual reference of the surface. The time must be in an aircraft operated at night in flight, or in a flight simulator or flight training device with the lighting system adjusted to represent the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise.
(32) Proposal to establish a recent flight experience requirement for acting as a PIC in a night vision goggle operation.
Proposed Sec. 61.57(f) would establish a recent flight experience requirement to remain PIC qualified for ``NVG operations.'' To understand the term, ``NVG operations,'' it is necessary to further clarify the term ``flight.'' The term ``flight'' means a takeoff and landing, with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern. Thus, a person who performs six takeoffs and landings, with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern, and uses NVGs to maintain visual reference may log six ``NVG operations.''
For a pilot to act as a PIC using NVGs with passengers on board, the pilot, within the preceding 2 calendar months, would have to perform and document the tasks under proposed Sec. 61.57(f) as the sole manipulator of the controls during the time period that begins 1 hour after sunset and ends 1 hour before sunrise. If the pilot had not performed and logged the tasks under Sec. 61.57(f), then the FAA would allow the pilot an additional 2 calendar months to perform and log the tasks under Sec. 61.57(f). However, the pilot would not be allowed to carry passengers during this second 2-month period. If the pilot had still not performed and logged the NVG tasks in proposed Sec. 61.57(f) during those additional 2 calendar months, then the pilot would be required to pass a NVG proficiency check to act as a PIC using night vision goggles.
To explain this ``2 calendar month'' currency criteria in proposed Sec. 61.57(f)(1), lets say for the sake of explaining this that the proposal becomes a final rule effective December 1, 2006. In this example, today is now February 24, 2007 and the pilot intends to act as pilot in command using NVGs with passengers on board a flight. The pilot would count backwards 2 calendar months from the date of the flight which means the pilot would count backwards from February 24, 2007, the month of January, 2007, and through the month of December, 2006 to December 1, 2006). Therefore, the pilot would have to have performed and logged the required NVG operating experience between December 1, 2006 and February 24, 2007.
Under proposed Sec. 61.57(f)(2), if a pilot has not performed and logged the required NVG recent flight experience between December 1, 2006 and February 24, 2007, then that pilot would have to perform and log the required NVG operating experience by April 30, 2007 to act as the pilot in command during March 2007 through April 2007 using NVGs, but could not carry passengers on board. Otherwise, per proposed Sec. 61.57(f)(2), the pilot is given 2 additional months to perform and log the required NVG operating experience, but during that period cannot carry passengers until he/she has performed and logged the required NVG operating experience.
(33) Proposal to establish a NVG proficiency check requirement to act as a PIC of a night vision goggle operation.
Proposed Sec. 61.57(g) would establish a proficiency check to be PIC qualified for NVG operations. Also, this proposal would establish a proficiency check to regain PIC qualifications for NVG operations when the pilot's NVG privileges have lapsed.
Proposed Sec. 61.57(g) would require a pilot who has not complied with the NVG operating experience requirement of proposed Sec. 61.57(f) to complete a NVG proficiency check to regain PIC NVG qualifications. The proficiency check would have to be performed in the same aircraft category that is appropriate to the NVG operation desired. The proficiency check would consist of the tasks listed in proposed Sec. 61.31(l) and would be administered by an individual listed under Sec. 61.31(l).
