Transcript Managing the Configuration of Night Vision

Night Vision Lighting
System Certification
Configuration Management
Presented to: Flight Test Safety Workshop
By: Sarah Thatcher, Flight Test Analyst, ASW -170
Date: May 4-6, 2010
Federal Aviation
Administration
Overview
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Night Vision Lighting Systems
Configuration Considerations
Aircraft Modifications
Types of NVIS Lighting Systems
Integration of NVIS Lighting and NVG
Safety Concerns
Post Certification CM
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Night Vision Lighting Systems
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
Federal Aviation
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Night Vision Lighting Systems
• An aircraft lighting system that has been modified
or designed to successfully and safely operate an
aircraft with the aid of Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
• Provides adequate illumination under day and night
conditions of instruments, displays, and controls
for the unaided eye without degrading NVG
performance
• System Components include but are not limited to:
– Any component that emits or transmits light within the flight
deck or crew compartment
– Windscreens & Transparencies
– External Lighting
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Night Vision Lighting Systems
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Configuration Considerations
• Instrument Panel
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Instrument Layout
Instrument Lighting
Overall Geometry
Glareshield Requirements
• External Lighting & Equipment
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Searchlights
Scene Lighting
Landing Lighting
Position Lighting
Wire Cutters
Skids
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
• Materials
– Composite Materials requiring
compliance to 27/29.853 &
27/29.855 (Burn Testing)
• NVG Filters
• Lighted Panels
• Operational Use
– EMS
• Cabin Lighting
• Medical Equipment Lights
• Patient Loading Lighting
– Law Enforcement
• Tactical Equipment Lighting
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Instrument Panels
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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External Lighting
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Aircraft Modifications
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Original Aircraft Manufacturers
Aircraft Modifiers
Instrument/Equipment Manufacturers
Combinations of any or all listed above.
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Types of NVIS Lighting Systems
• Instrument Panels
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Post Lights
Flood Lights
Bezel/Edge Lit Panels or Instruments (Overlays)
Integrated – Internal to each Instrument
• Overhead/Console Lighting
– Back Lights
– Floods
– Goose Necks
• Filters
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Post Lights and Filters
Post Lights
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
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Flood Lights
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Bezel/Edge Lit Panels or Instruments
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Filters
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Integration of NVIS Lighting and NVG
• Lighting must meet 14 CFR Part 27/29
Requirements
– No worse than Basic Aircraft Lighting
– All Instruments, Markings, Color Bands, and
Switches must be Legible and Discernable to the
Pilot
– Colors are Critical
– Glares & Reflections in Windscreens &
Transparencies
• Lighting must be Compatible with NVG
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
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Integration of NVIS Lighting and NVG
• No worse than Basic Aircraft Lighting
407 Normal Night Lighting
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
407 NVIS Lighting
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Integration of NVIS Lighting and NVG
• All Instruments, Markings, Color Bands, and
Switches must be Legible and Discernable to the Pilot
BK117B-2: Floods
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
AS350: Floods
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Integration of NVIS Lighting and NVG
• Colors are Critical
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Integration of NVIS Lighting and NVG
• Glares & Reflections in Windscreens/Transparencies
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Safety Concerns
• Degraded NVG Performance
– NVG Blooming
– Reduction in Outside Visibility
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
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Safety Concerns
• Can the Pilot read all Instruments, gauges, switch
labels, range bands, limitation marks, etc?
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
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Safety Concerns
• Caution / Warning Panel – Legible, Workable
– Which Caution Lights are Lit?
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Post Certification CM
• What happens after the aircraft is certified
for compatibility with NVG?
– Configuration Management is CRITICAL for that
aircraft.
• Removal, Replacement, or Installation of any equipment
(internal or external) that could effect the NVIS lighting
system requires a compatibility assessment.
– Who determines whether or not there will be an effect?
– Who completes the compatibility check-out?
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
Flight Test Safety Workshop, May 4-6, 2010
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Questions
Night Vision Lighting System Certification
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