Aircraft Certification

Aero Dynamix has earned 27 multi-ship Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) on 41 different aircraft model types in addition to three EASA validations, and has completed over 500 cockpit modifications on 33 aircraft platforms. Each civil aircraft modified by ADI is fully certified and STC’d by the FAA, thus meeting or exceeding all regulatory guidance standards.

We have all of the requisite engineering and certification expertise on staff to achieve new aircraft STCs in the fastest ad most seamless manner possible.

 

Night Vision Imaging Systems

NVG is the common term used for Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) operations. The complete description and performance standards of the NVG and cockpit lighting modifications appropriate to civil aviation are contained in the Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Integrated Night Vision Imaging System Equipment (RTCA/DO-275).

Currently, NVIS consists of the following:

  • NVGs,
  • Interior and exterior aircraft lighting modifications,
  • Cockpit windows (windshield, windows, chin bubbles, etc.),
  • Crew station design and components, and
  • Radar altimeter

 

Civil Use of NVGs

The civil use of NVGs will be approved only for the purpose of enhancing operational safety. An FAA study (DOT/FAA/RD-94/21, 1994) summarized the need for NVGs by stating, “When properly used, NVGs can increase safety, enhance situational awareness, and reduce pilot workload and stress that are typically associated with night operations.” The hours of darkness add to a pilot’s workload by decreasing those visual cues commonly used during daylight operations and as a result have a decreased ability to see and avoid obstructions at night. Since the 1970s, NVEDs, such as NVGs, have provided the military with enhanced ability to see at night and therefore improve operations. Continual technological improvements have advanced the capability and reliability of NVGs and as a result, many Part 91 and Part 135 on-demand operators now request the use of NVGs in commercial operations as a tool for night flight.

 

NVIS Approval

RTCA, Inc. developed and published the MOPS for NVGs in RTCA/DO-275. The Technical Standard Order TSO-C164 for NVIS was published on September 30, 2004. The approval for NVIS installation can only be accomplished through the Type Certificate (TC), amended TC, or Supplemental Type Certification (STC) process. See the current edition of AC 27-1, Certification of Normal Category Rotorcraft, and AC 29-2, Certification of Transport Category Rotorcraft, for additional information. ADI currently holds 25 FAA and 3 EASA STCs for NVIS installations with many more in work.

 

Additional Documents

In addition to RTCA/DO-275, RTCA Special Committee 196 completed two other documents, RTCA/DO-268, Concept of Operations, Night Vision Imaging System for Civil Operators, and RTCA/DO-295, Civil Operators’ Training Guidelines for Integrated Night Vision Imaging System Equipment. These documents may provide operators with additional insight into the implementation of NVGs.