What are the expectations of the Agency in respect to Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) competences at a DOA holder?
The detailed review of the DOA competences related with NVIS will be performed during the investigation of the Significant change.
Besides the competences required for the avionics and electrical changes, the DO has to demonstrate appropriate knowledge and experience in conducting the certification process as described in the appropriate sections of AC 29-2C MG16 or AC 27-1B MG16.
Do I need to take any action, having already 'rotorcraft' category and 'Installation of Avionics' and 'Electrical systems' in my Terms of Approval, to be able to design NVIS related changes/repairs ?
The changes/repairs of NVIS or NVIS-friendly rotorcraft are specifically covered in the Terms of Approval by the 'NVIS' technical field. Therefore, to be able to design such changes/repairs, a DOA has to extend its scope of approval through the usual Significant Change process.
Why should I, as a DOA holder designing changes to rotorcraft, know about Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS)?
In the last years the use of night vision systems in civil operation increased, reflected in an increasing number of rotorcraft already equipped with the system or 'NVIS-friendly' (with provisions for installation of NVIS systems).
Awareness of the NVIS technical field is expected from any DOA holder – so that it can assess if it’s design changes are (potentially) affecting the NVIS characteristics of the rotorcraft.
For DOA holders who design changes that are affecting NVIS, this technical field must be included in the Terms of Approval.
Please check the related Certification Memorandum CM-FT-001 for further details.