VOLUME 6  SURVEILLANCE

CHAPTER 11  OTHER SURVEILLANCE

Section 22  Safety Assurance System: Conduct Night Vision Imaging System Evaluation Inspection

6-11-22-1    REPORTING SYSTEM(S).

A.    Program Tracking and Reporting Subsystem (PTRS). For other than Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 135, use PTRS activity codes: 4634, 4651, 6634, and 6651.

B.    Safety Assurance System (SAS). For part 135, use SAS automation and the associated Data Collection Tools (DCT).

6-11-22-3    OBJECTIVE. This section provides guidance for evaluating a certificate holder’s Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS), to include night vision goggles (NVG) and maintenance documents for aircraft operated under 14 CFR parts 91, 133, 135, 137, 141, and 145.

6-11-22-5    PREREQUISITES. The aviation safety inspector (ASI) performing the inspections must have completed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Course 21000083, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) Familiarization. The ASI must also have knowledge of the regulatory requirements of 14 CFR parts 43, 65, 91, 133, 135, 137, 141, and 145.

6-11-22-7    GENERAL. Airworthiness inspectors will use the information outlined in the following paragraphs when evaluating parts 91, 133, 135, 137, 141, and 145 certificate holders’ maintenance practices for NVIS. NVIS includes: lighting, filtration, transparencies, head-mounted NVG, and ancillary equipment. This guidance does not apply to other night or low visual environment enhancement devices (e.g., Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS)). Minimum equipment list (MEL) information is found in Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) Policy Letter (PL)-127, Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS), and Volume 4, Chapter 4, Configuration Deviation List (CDL) and Minimum Equipment List (MEL).

A.    NVIS Installation. NVIS are approved for installation through the type certificate (TC) or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certification process. As part of the process, the FAA accepts instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) for installed NVIS equipment. NVIS TCs/STCs have specific NVGs documented for use. Aircraft modified for NVG operations must be configured as described in the NVIS TC/STC, to include any engineering change orders or other supplemental data related to the NVIS modification. The NVIS modification/configuration and compatibility is approved and controlled by aircraft serial number.

NOTE:  Field approvals are not authorized for NVIS aircraft modifications as described in Volume 4, Chapter 9, Section 1; FAA Order 8300.16, Major Repair and Alteration Data Approval; and the Major Repair and Alteration Data Approval Job Aid (Aircraft Maintenance Division (AFS‑300)). Visual flight rules (VFR) night approvals do not constitute NVG operational approval. In addition, some aircraft may not be suitable for NVIS modification due to factors such as cockpit obstructions, inability of pilots to move their heads while wearing NVG, the inability of the cockpit to accommodate a pilot wearing a helmet, etc.

B.    NVGs. It is important to recognize that NVGs are a part of the overall NVIS. The NVGs are appliances although they are not physically connected to the aircraft. NVGs that have been demonstrated to be compatible with the installed NVIS lighting system are identified in the Flight Manual Supplement (FMS). NVIS ICAs do not include NVG maintenance documents. The NVG manufacturer or an FAA certificated repair facility with approved repair specifications provides the NVG maintenance documents. NVGs used for civil operations must meet the minimum performance standards of Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C164, Night Vision Goggles, which include the RTCA, Inc. document RTCA DO-275, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Integrated Night Vision Imaging System Equipment.

6-11-22-9    PROCEDURES.

A.    Preparation. Prior to performing the NVIS inspection, it is important that the ASI is familiar with the following documents, if applicable to the operation/aircraft being inspected:

•    Operations Specification (OpSpec) A050, Helicopter Night Vision Goggle Operations (HNVGO).

•    OpSpec A051, Airplane Night Vision Goggle (ANVG) Operations.

•    OpSpec D093, Helicopter Night Vision Goggle Operations (HNVGO) Maintenance Program.

•    OpSpec D094, Airplane Night Vision Goggle Operations (ANVGO) Maintenance Program.

•    OpSpec/Management Specification (MSpec) D095, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Authorization.

•    Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)/STC limitations and conditions.

•    Download NVIS-related FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance), from the Electronic Document Retrieval System (EDRS) II database, located in the Safety Performance Analysis System (SPAS) database.

•    Applicable maintenance manuals, ICAs, and operators’ inspection programs.

•    NVIS alteration documentation.

•    Other alteration documentation that could affect NVIS compatibility.

•    OEM NVIS documentation.

•    Flight manual (FM) and applicable NVIS supplement.

•    NVIS OEM/STC Service Bulletins (SB).

•    NVIS Airworthiness Directives (AD).

•    Part 145 ratings for NVG maintenance, maintenance documents, and associated processes.

B.    Records Review. The inspector must verify that the documents collected in the preparation phase are the correct documents for the aircraft being inspected. Also, the inspector must verify if any modifications were accomplished after the installation of the NVIS. If modifications were performed after the NVIS modification, the inspector should ensure that the operator has documentation verifying that a compatibility evaluation was performed, if required. Refer to the “Limitations and Conditions” section of the STC or OEM NVIS data for the aircraft being inspected. NVIS-approved data may have varying requirements.

1)    Make arrangements for access to NVIS-related documentation. Request any engineering change orders or other supplemental data related to the NVIS alteration.

2)    Review NVIS ICAs. Ensure the ICAs include the most current appendix changes, if applicable.

3)    Review current FM and/or FMS for NVIS checks, inspections, and operations.

4)    Review the Master Drawing List or other documentation to confirm data applicability of the aircraft being inspected.

5)    Review the operator’s aircraft maintenance or inspection program for NVIS ICAs and NVG maintenance documents or procedures. Ensure the maintenance documents are applicable by aircraft serial number.

6)    Verify any subsequent aircraft modifications to the cockpit, cabin, or aircraft exterior, involving a light-emitting or light-reflecting system, were properly evaluated in accordance with the OEM/STC limitations and conditions and ICA requirements.

7)    Review any alterations incorporated on the aircraft, both major and minor, for adverse effects on NVIS compatibility.

8)    Review Figure 6-11-22A, Flight Standards Service Night Vision Imaging System Aircraft Inspection Job Aid.

9)    Review applicable NVIS ADs and SBs.

C.    Aircraft Inspection. The inspector should not remove panels or disassemble the cockpit, cabin, interior, and/or exterior lighting. Visually inspect the aircraft NVIS lighting configuration against the OEM/STC drawings or the drawings specified in the ICA. During the visual inspection, verify the following:

•    Instrument panel modification.

•    Lower console modifications.

•    Over-head panel modifications.

•    Internal cockpit and cabin lighting sources (e.g., map lights, utility lights, annunciators, etc.).

•    External lighting sources (e.g., position lights, strobe lights, search lights, etc.).

•    Installed equipment with light-emitting sources (e.g., medical equipment, infrared imaging systems, hoists, telecommunication equipment, etc.).

NOTE:  Carry-on equipment is not depicted in STC data. If OpSpec A061 is authorized, the inspector should verify that an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) has not been authorized for use during NVG operations unless an authorized aviation authority has found the EFB to be NVIS compatible. If the EFB is not NVIS compatible, a restriction/limitation should be included in OpSpec A061 to prevent its use during NVG operations.

D.    Closure.

1)    For part 135, use SAS automation and the associated DCT.

2)    For all other operators, the inspector will debrief the operator about discrepancies found during the NVIS inspection. The inspector must document all discrepancies found during the NVIS inspection in the comments section of the PTRS record.

NOTE:  The operator is responsible for ensuring all light emitting or reflecting equipment installations after the NVIS modification have been evaluated for NVIS compatibility in accordance with OEM/STC data.

E.    Compliance Action. Follow the process contained in Volume 14, Chapter 1, Section 2 to identify and document the root cause(s) that led to any deviations from rules, standards, or procedures and the corrective action taken to resolve them. Follow up as required to validate the operator is in full compliance.

6-11-22-11    NVIS/NVG, PERSONS PERFORMING MAINTENANCE, PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, RETURN TO SERVICE, AND AIRWORTHINESS APPROVAL TAGS.

A.    Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance Documents.

1)    Maintenance and preventive maintenance documents for NVIS should contain, at a minimum, one of the following documents or procedures adequate for NVIS maintenance.

•    The ICAs that are accepted by the FAA and are provided by the TC or STC holder as part of its design approval;

•    FAA-approved maintenance/inspection program containing NVIS procedures;

•    FAA-approved NVIS repair specifications; or

•    NVIS maintenance procedures developed by the operator and approved by the FAA.

2)    NVG maintenance and preventive maintenance documents should contain, at a minimum, one of the following documents or procedures for NVG maintenance.

•    Maintenance/preventive maintenance procedures accepted by the FAA and containing, at a minimum, the elements specified in RTCA DO-275, section 5;

•    FAA-approved maintenance/inspection program containing NVG maintenance procedures;

•    FAA-approved NVG repair specifications; or

•    The NVG manufacturers’ maintenance manual.

NOTE:  Ensure the maintenance documents are applicable to the aircraft and equipment being inspected. For part 135 operators, the maintenance documentsinspected must match the maintenance documents authorized in OpSpec D093 or D094 with current applicable revision level(s).

B.    Persons Performing NVG Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Return to Service. Persons authorized under part 43 will perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, and return to service for NVG produced under a Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA), or that meet the minimum operational performance standards of RTCA DO-275.

C.    Airworthiness Approval Tags. As stated in FAA Order 8130.21, Procedures for Completion and Use of the Authorized Release Certificate, FAA Form 8130-3, Airworthiness Approval Tag, “…persons…authorized by § 43.7(c), (d), and (e), may issue an FAA Form 8130-3 for approval for return to service of products and articles that have undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration, provided the applicable recordkeeping requirements of §§ 43.9, 91.417, 91.421, 121.380, 135.439, or 145.219 are met. The use of FAA Form 8130-3 for this purpose is optional, but the FAA recommends its use. This will help aviation authorities and the industry to ensure complete traceability and ease the movement of products and articles through the aviation system.”

1)    An appropriately rated FAA-certificated repair station may issue/attach FAA Form 8130-3, Authorized Release Certificate, Airworthiness Approval Tag, to NVG that are manufactured under a TSOA.

2)    Products and articles not produced under an FAA production approval are not eligible to receive an FAA Form 8130-3. FAA Form 8130-3 does not constitute approval to install a product or article on a particular aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller, as stated in Order 8130.21. Therefore, FAA-certificated repair stations must not issue/attach FAA Form 8130-3 to NVGs that are not manufactured under a TSOA. NVGs that are not manufactured under a TSOA.

D.    Assistance. ASIs who encounter any potential safety concerns during NVIS surveillance should contact the appropriate Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG). The AEG serves as liaison between the Flight Standards Service and the Aircraft Certification Office (ACO).

6-11-22-13    MEL CONSIDERATIONS. The aircraft MMEL must specifically address NVIS (supplemental lighting in an MMEL does not apply to the NVIS system). If the aircraft MMEL does not address NVIS, PL‑127 may be incorporated in the operator’s MEL to gain relief for inoperative NVIS equipment.

6-11-22-15    DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME READABILITY.

A.    Daytime Readability Assessment. Confirm that the filtered instruments are readable under natural daylight conditions. Normal deterioration of markings and colors on instrument/equipment/electronic displays may cause difficulty in reading filtered instruments during daytime conditions. All aircraft certification requirements (e.g., 14 CFR parts 23, 25, 27, and 29) remain the same after an aircraft is modified for NVIS compatibility.

B.    Nighttime Assessment.

1)    Ensure the aircraft has ground power applied and is configured for NVG operation as specified in the FM/FMS for the NVIS system installed.

NOTE:  Have an operator, maintenance, or flightcrew personnel assist with this step.

2)    Confirm the NVIS lighting is functioning as specified in the FM/FMS.

3)    Ensure the aircraft is configured for night VFR flight while not using NVG (known as “Night Unaided Flight”). Confirm that instruments and equipment are readable for night operations. The readability must meet the same requirements as the original type certification.

4)    Inspect the cockpit for any potential NVIS incompatible lighting sources (e.g., unfiltered equipment/instruments, mirrors, and/or light leakage). The determination of incompatibility will be accomplished using the applicable NVIS ICA or OEM maintenance document. In most cases, this will require the NVG’s authorized for use in the FM/FMS be used to make incompatible/light leakage determinations.

NOTE:  Have an operator, maintenance, or flightcrew personnel assist with the use of the NVG.

6-11-22-17    ANALYZE FINDINGS.

A.    Determination. For other than part 135, analyze each finding to determine if the discrepancies are the result of improper maintenance and/or missing or inadequate maintenance/inspection procedures. Ensure the operator completes necessary follow-up/corrective actions and notifies the inspector. Inspectors will follow up with operators within 30 calendar-days to ensure the corrective action has been accomplished and meets the requirements of the approved data. Document the results of the analysis and operator follow-up action in the PTRS. For part 135, use SAS automation and the associated DCT.

B.    Debrief the Operator. Inform the Director of Maintenance (DOM), Director of Operations (DO), Chief Pilot, or his or her representative about the status of the inspection and discuss any discrepancies found. The ASI must notify the DOM, DO, Chief Pilot, or his or her representative in writing. The operator should be given an opportunity to take corrective actions. The ASI must verify that all corrective actions taken were in accordance with the requirements of the operator’s inspection/maintenance program.

6-11-22-19    COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS. Airworthiness ASIs perform this task. It may require coordination with Operations ASIs.

6-11-22-21    REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS.

A.    References (current editions):

•    Title 14 CFR Part 91, § 91.205(h) and Part 135, § 135.411.

•    Advisory Circular (AC) 27-1, Certification of Normal Category Rotorcraft.

•    AC 29-2, Certification of Transport Category Rotorcraft.

•    FAA Order 8130.21, Procedures for Completion and Use of the Authorized Release Certificate, FAA Form 8130-3, Airworthiness Approval Tag.

•    Volume 4, Chapter 9, Section 1, Perform Field Approval of Major Repairs and Major Alterations.

•    Volume 14, Chapter 1, Section 2, Flight Standards Service Compliance Action Decision Procedure.

•    MMEL Policy Letter (PL)-127, Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS).

•    RTCA DO-268, Concept of Operations, Night Vision Imaging System for Civil Operators.

•    RTCA DO-275, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Integrated Night Vision Imaging System Equipment.

•    RTCA DO-295, Civil Operators’ Training Guidelines for Integrated Night Vision Imaging System Equipment.

•    TSO-C164, Night Vision Goggles.

B.    Forms. None.

C.    Job Aids. Automated OpSpecs checklist, worksheets, and Figure 6-11-22A.

6-11-22-23    TASK OUTCOMES.

A.    Complete the PTRS Record. The outcome should be entered into the PTRS in accordance with PTRS procedures.

B.    Safety Assurance System (SAS). For part 135, use SAS automation and the associated DCT.

C.    Complete the Task. Completion of this task may result in the following:

•    Compliance Action per Volume 14, Chapter 1, Section 2 when analysis of the findings discloses improper maintenance.

•    Written notification to the operator/program manager of the necessary changes to the manual when analysis of the findings discloses missing or inadequate maintenance/inspection procedures.

•    Communication with the certificate-holding district office (CHDO)/certificate management unit (CMU) by the geographic unit finding discrepancies.

6-11-22-25    FUTURE ACTIVITIES. For other than part 135, based on inspection findings, determine if increased surveillance, additional Compliance Action, other job tasks, and/or additional coordination between the CHDO/CMU and geographic units are required to regain compliance. For part 135, use SAS automation and the associated DCT.

Figure 6-11-22A.  Flight Standards Service Night Vision Imaging System Aircraft Inspection Job Aid

Purpose: This job aid provides guidance for inspecting Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS)-equipped aircraft, to assess the quality of maintenance, configuration control, and the degree of compliance with the operator’s maintenance procedures on in-service aircraft.

A.    Procedural Guidance:

•    Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 10022, Maintenance of Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS);

•    Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) Policy Letter (PL)-127, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS);

•    Operations Specification (OpSpec) A050, Helicopter Night Vision Goggle Operations (HNVGO);

•    OpSpec A051, Airplane Night Vision Goggle (ANVG) Operations;

•    OpSpec/Management Specification (MSpec) D072, Aircraft Maintenance—Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP) Authorization;

•    OpSpec/MSpec D073, Approved Inspection Program;

•    OpSpec/MSpec D085, Aircraft Listing;

•    OpSpec D093, Helicopter Night Vision Goggle Operations (HNVGO) Maintenance Program;

•    OpSpec D094, Airplane Night Vision Goggle Operations (ANVGO) Maintenance Program; and

•    OpSpec/MSpec D095, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Authorization.

B.    Program Tracking and Reporting Subsystem (PTRS) Activity Codes: 4634, 4651, 6634, and 6651.

Section 1—Preparation. Prior to performing the NVIS inspection, it is important that the aviation safety inspector (ASI) is familiar with the following documents:

•    OpSpec A050.

•    OpSpec A051.

•    OpSpec D093.

•    OpSpec D094

•    OpSpec/MSpec D095.

•    Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)/ Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) limitations and conditions.

•    Download NVIS-related FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance), from the Electronic Document Retrieval System (EDRS) II database, located in the Safety Performance Analysis System (SPAS) database.

•    Applicable maintenance manuals, instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA), and operators’ inspection programs.

•    NVIS alteration documentation.

•    Other alteration documentation that could affect NVIS compatibility.

•    OEM NVIS documentation.

•    Flight manual (FM) and Flight Manual Supplement (FMS).

•    OEM/STC Airworthiness Directives (AD)/Service Bulletins (SB) applicable to NVIS.

Section 2—Records Review.

Section 3—Aircraft Inspection.

Section 4—Closure.

6-11-22-27 through 6-11-22-41 RESERVED.