Think night-vision goggles (NVGs) are just for police and EMS operators? You might be surprised to learn that changes to Part 91 and 135 due out this year could extend the technology to all of general aviation, opening possibilities for a wide range of operators, including business aircraft flight crews, to start using NVGs.
After taking a close look at the image quality of the latest NVG gear, the FAA is close to a decision to let properly trained pilots of general aviation aircraft fly with the equipment in night VMC as an enhancement to natural vision. Basic VFR weather minimums outlined in FAR 91.155 will remain unchanged, according to the agency, meaning there won’t be any operational benefits extended to NVG users like those for operators flying with HUD-based infrared enhanced-vision systems (EVS). Still, the technology has the potential to enhance safety for business aircraft flight crews and their passengers, especially for operators that sometimes fly into unimproved fields where lighting isn’t always the best.
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