timeframe, and 3) a set procedure to regain NVG recent experience if time between uses is lengthy.


Although not regulatory, many NVG operators have proactively implement‐ ed procedures to address these issues.


Summary


To use a baseball analogy, a catcher is behind home plate based on the belief the batter will periodically miss the ball. Having an NVG equipped crewmember would then be prudent if there is a belief the pilot may miss an obstacle or other hazard to the flight. However, in batting practice a fence is used for the same purpose as a catch‐ er. For pilot‐only NVG operations, pilot‐ only policies and procedures would have the same affect and ensure safety of flight operations.


A recently conducted National EMS Pilot's Association survey of nearly 700 HEMS pilots showed that the vast


majority of pilots preferred having a second set of eyes during NVG opera‐ tions. However, that same survey revealed that those same pilots did not want to be restricted from accomplish‐ ing an NVG operation simply because that second crewmember was not available, or did not have NVGs avail‐ able.


Whether an operation chooses to operate NVGs pilot‐only or multi‐crew should be the decision of the operator. Either operation can be conducted safely with proper training, proce‐ dures, and oversight.


This author believes proactive over‐ sight providing for pilot‐only NVG oper‐ ations below 300 feet AGL would require a similar thought process of a single‐pilot IFR flight program. Not all aircraft may be appropriate for pilot‐ only NVG operations. In those cases, the operator would decide what is best for them and the equipment must meet the requirements.


It is not possible, nor practical to set a single standard for all NVG opera‐ tions. Simply based on the diversity of type of operations within aviation, flex‐ ibility within the NVG oversight com‐ munity would prove beneficial to all.


EMS


Randy Rowles is the VP Business Development & NVG Training Programs for Night Flight Concepts of Port St. Lucie, Florida. He is also an active EMS pilot with Children's Medical Center of Dallas. He serves a Board Member for NEMSPA and is the Chairman of HAI's Flight Training Committee. He and his wife Samantha reside in Ft. Worth, Texas.


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