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-   -   LEDs on NVGs (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=111657)

RV7Guy 04-08-2014 02:25 PM

EMS pilot
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by sahrens (Post 869234)
Most EMS helicopter operations use NVGs. There are more folks out there wearing googles than you think.

We use Anvis 9's in our EMS operation. Very nice equipment. I have not found LED lights to not be visible with NVG's just very muted. Many of the hospital helipads are now LED. They are sometimes tough to see only because they don't appear as bright as former lighting. I will usually shift my vision to the side or under the goggles to see the color and get a complete picture of the LZ.

As far as seeing other AC at night, I have found this to not be a problem as well. Strobes seem to be strobes and other lighting is visible too.

LAMPSguy 04-08-2014 02:37 PM

few responses.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean_aeroleds (Post 869319)
Personally I think that any military flight with more than one crew member should keep one of them naked eye in civilian airspace

Great Idea Dean, but we are not allowed...entire crew is aided or none are aided. The newest goggles add enough safety that I think unaided night currency will be gone for all military aviation within a few years!

Additionally, we have other safety rules regarding landing on ships with them and how long between being on them prior to landing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by humptybump (Post 869335)
I am feeling a bit thin skinned. I worked hard for my PPL, My Instrument rating, my continued training, etc. and in none of that has "NVG" every come up.

Glen, please re-read my comment and realize it was not a slight against anyone, nor a comment saying that the PPL is not a significant accomplishment. I would never infer that and am sorry if you took it that way. There is quite a difference in the way military aviators are trained to fly and how/when we MUST fly to get paid. Our syllabus begins with basic familiarization flights, a solo within a handful of flights, then immediately you begin working on basic instrument procedures through full blown approaches. You move onto AOA approaches, Aerobatics and formation. All of that is in the first 6 months.

What I was referring to is that it is GOOD that for your PPL you get to focus on the joy, the basics, and not much else...that is all I meant by it. I do not expect ANY GA pilot to know much more than the fact that NVG's exist as it takes a lot to learn how to use them and you end up using them as an instrument...NOT the fun stuff that you SHOULD be focusing on as you earn your PPL (although NVG's can be a lot of fun).


Also, I am not saying they are invisible...but muted lights that blend with city lights until 500 feet away, depending on airspeed, depending on single ship or section...might as well be invisible!

Finally, I just like that we can have great, open lines of communication like this. If it makes even one person a little more safe, SCORE!

humptybump 04-08-2014 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAMPSguy (Post 869404)
There is quite a difference in the way military aviators are trained to fly and how/when we MUST fly to get paid. Our syllabus begins with basic familiarization flights, a solo within a handful of flights, then immediately you begin working on basic instrument procedures through full blown approaches. You move onto AOA approaches, Aerobatics and formation. All of that is in the first 6 months.

Interesting training regiment and something I can relate too (on a smaller scale) .. although in 1996, AOA was not something you'd find in the GA fleet. My training took place in south Texas with the PPL + instrument + aerobatics + various aircraft configurations in a little more than 3 months.

Anyway, I will look into IR markers given there's a lot of military activity in this section of rural America.


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