Environmental Factors For I2 Night Vision Device Currency Requirements

Improvements of night vision devices (NVDs) have made it significantly easier to operate in the night tactical environment. However, the capabilities of these systems require that the methods for determining crew currency qualifications be reexamined. Skills developed with earlier systems greatly facilitated NVD operations. Most of these skills still apply to newer systems, however, the improved visual conditions in good conditions often do not require these skills. As a result, training in good conditions may not allow crews to maintain real proficiency. Currency is commonly determined a minimum number of flight hours using NVDs within a specified time. This leaves it to chance that the crew trains under the conditions that they are likely expected to operate. Requirements to maintain currency should explicitly state environmental factors for illumination and terrain luminance. Having a thorough understanding of a NVD system’s capabilities and limitations, those responsible for managing flight training can assure the crews are prepared to operate in realistic operational conditions.