Night Tactics Daily Questions

Question 1

What are the general procedures when conducting a light degradation/compatibility check for supplemental cockpit lighting?

Answer 1

Sit in the aircraft at night with low ambient lighting with ANVIS set up ready for use. Position a reflective material in your lap. Shine the supplemental lighting on the material and without the ANVIS look at the reflection on the windshield. Drop down And look through the ANVIS and you may see the reflection but if it doesn’t hinder night vision the light source is acceptable.

TC 3-04.4 Fundamentals of Flight para. 4-132

Question 2

Explain how the Automatic Brightness Control (ABC) and Bright Source Protection (BSP) work on the ANVIS?

Answer 2

ABC Controls the number of electrons that exit the MCP to adjust to preset levels of brightness, this protects me. BSP reduces the voltage to the photocathode when exposed to bright light, this protects the ANVIS.

TC 3-04.4 Fundamentals of Flight para. 4-66

Question 3

What are the mechanical functions of the ANVIS?

Answer 3

Eye-span adjustment knobs, fore-and-aft adjustment wheel, tilt lever, objective focus rings, eyepiece focus ring, vertical adjustment knob, Lock-release button.

CC SH AN/AVS-6 OPERATIONS Pg 14-16

Question 4

What are the operational defects associated with the ANVIS?

Answer 4

Shading, emission points, edge glow, flashing/flickering, intermittent operation

ANVIS -10 0007-3 through 0007-5

TM 11-5855-313-10

Question 5

What are the cosmetic blemishes associated with the ANVIS?

Answer 5

Image distortion, image disparity, Bright spots, black spots, chicken wire, fixed pattern noise, output brightness variation
ANVIS -10 0007-6 through 0007-10

Question 6

What is the maximum allowable counter weight to be used with the ANVIS?

Answer 6

22 ounces
ANVIS -10 0008-2

Question 7

When does the optimal sight picture occur when looking through the ANVIS?

Answer 7

Occurs when the optical axes of the ANVIS is aligned with your visual line of sight and the ANVIS eyepieces are at the maximum distance from your eyes that still allow you to see the intensified image full field of view
ANVIS -10 0015-1

Question 8

Explain dark adaption and how long it takes to reach optimal night vision acuity.

Answer 8

Dark adaptation is the process by which the eyes become more sensitive to low levels of illumination. Dark adaptation for optimal night vision acuity approaches its maximum level in about 30 -45 minutes.
TC 3-04.93 8-10, 8-35

Question 9

What protective equipment is used to protect against the loss of night vision?

Answer 9

Sunglasses, Red Lens Goggles, and Supplemental oxygen equipment
TC 3-04.93 8-11, 8-40 through 44

Question 10

Name and describe the three types of vision?

Answer 10

Photopic Vision: Experience during daylight or high levels of artificial illumination. Cones are active and rods become bleached out rendering them ineffective. Requires use of central vision.

Mesopic Vision: Occurs at dawn, dusk and in full moon light. Reduces color vision and visual acuity. Involves both rods and cones.

Scotopic Vision: Occurs on dimly lit nights, decreases visual acuity, causes loss of color perception, causes the night blind spot, requires the use of peripheral vision and recognition of silhouette and only involves Rods

TC 3-04.93 8-4 and 8-5

Question 11

Explain the Day and Night blind spots.

Answer 11

The day blind spot
covers an area of 5.5 to 7.5 degrees and is located about 15 degrees from the fovea, originating where the optic nerve attaches to the retina.

The night blind spot occurs when the fovea becomes inactive in low light conditions and involves an area from 5 to 10 degrees wide in the center of the visual field. An object viewed directly at night might not be seen due to the night blind spot; if the object is detected, it will fade away when stared at longer than 2 seconds.

TC 3-04.93 8-3 and 8-5

Question 12

According to AR 95-1, when operating with NVGs, at low altitudes where the flash from the bottom anti-collision light is reflecting back into the cockpit, can you turn off the bottom anti-collision light?

Answer 12

Anti-collision lights will be on when aircraft engines are operating except when conditions may cause vertigo or other hazards to safety.

Question 13

Describe the use of the MODE SEL switch on the PLT LTG panel.

Answer 13

DAY: interior lights illuminate brightly

NIGHT/NVG: interior lights illuminate dim

NVG only: CDU and MFD brightness capped

CH47 -10-2 pg 2-98

Question 14

What are the Warnings in the -10 regarding the searchlights?

Answer 14

The pilot’s and copilot’s searchlights have
both white and IR LED lamps. The IR lamp
emits invisible infrared (IR) rays which may
be hazardous to personnel looking directly at
the light. Never look directly at the searchlight
when in IR mode without wearing NVG’s. Do
not touch the searchlight during or just after
lamp operation due to the heat generated by
the lamp.

Use caution when utilizing the white searchlight while using NVGs. Under some conditions the white light may impair visibility to the point of creating a hazardous condition.

CH47 -10-2 pg 2-97

Question 15

Explain the factors affecting object visibility.

Answer 15

• Object angular size increases and distance between the object and viewer decreases.
• Ambient light illumination (overall brightness) increases.
• Degree of retinal adaptation increases.
• Color and contrast between the object and background increase.
• Object position within the visual field (visibility threshold) increases.
• Eye focus and viewing time increase.
• Atmospheric clarity increases; ND-15 sunglasses can aid visibility in excessive light or bright conditions.

TC 3-04.93 pg 8-9

Question 16

In your own words, what are the N/NVG considerations for Task 1040: Perform
Visual Meteorological Conditions Takeoff?

Answer 16

If sufficient illumination exist, perform the same way as a VMC during the day.

• If sufficient illumination does not exist, perform an altitude-over-airspeed takeoff.
• Visual obstacles, such as shadows, should be treated the same as physical obstacles.
• Maintain the takeoff PWR setting until reaching climb airspeed.
• P Should alternate attention between instruments and outside.
• P* Should and NRCM should maintain orientation outside.
• Maintain ground track (use velocity vector and track angle indicators.
• Use proper scanning techniques to avoid spatial disorientation.
• If undated night flight ensure search light is in desired position.

ATM Task 1040

Question 17

What should you do when you’re hovering at night and you become disoriented because of tall grass or flat featureless terrain?

Answer 17

• Apply sufficient PWR and execute an ITO.
• Arm the appropriate DAFCS HVR Modes.
• If a takeoff is not feasible, try to maneuver the aircraft forward and down to the ground, to limit the possibility of touchdown with sideward or rearward movement.
• The P will take the flight controls and fly utilizing symbology or outside reference.

AT Task 1038

Question 18

What are the unaided night vision scanning techniques used with the reduced visual acuity present during lower light levels?

Answer 18

• Off-Center Vision
• Scanning
• Shapes and Silhouettes

TC 3-04.93 pg 8-13/8-14

Question 19

What cues help you compensate for loss of distance estimation and depth perception for objects far away at low light levels?

Answer 19

• Geometric perspective
• Retinal Image Size
• Aerial Perspective
• Motion Parallax

TC3-04.93 pg 8-14 throuigh 8-19

Question 20

As you fly closer to an open field, what will happen to its apparent size and what distance estimation and depth perception cue is this?

Answer 20

The field will increase in size and take on its true form. This cue is apparent foreshortening.
TC 3-04.93 8-15 (8-16)

*the apparent size will increase, this is increasing/decreasing size of objects.
* Known Size of Objects
TC3-04.93 pg 8-15

Question 21

What distance estimation and depth perception cue explains when you go from a 10’ hover to an 80’ hover and you are not able to distinguish clearly the grass or weeds in the hover area?

Answer 21

• Loss of Detail or Texture

TC 3-04.93 pg 8-18

Question 22

What is the perception you are experiencing when on an approach to a landing area that is lit and during the approach the lights disappear or start to flicker?

Answer 22

• Overlapping Contours or Interposition of Objects

TC 3-04.93 pg 8-18

Question 23

Explain the procedures for an NVG failure?

Answer 23

1. Announce ANVIS failure by crew station.
2. Transfer the flight controls if applicable.
3. Troubleshoot ANVIS failure.
4. Announce results of troubleshooting.

Question 24

In your own words, what are the N/NVG considerations for Task 1184: Respond to Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions?

Answer 24

When using night vision goggles (NVGs), it may be possible to see through a thin obscuration, such as fog and drizzle, with little or no degradation. The NVGs may be removed (or flipped up) once flight is stabilized.

Note:

If IMC conditions are entered with the infrared (IR) searchlight or landing light on, spatial disorientation may occur. Low-level ambient light may induce visual illusions and spatial disorientation. During NVG operations, video noise may contribute to loss of visual cues.

Question 25

What are the visual illusions in the Aeromedical TC?

Answer 25

FALSE HORIZON ILLUSION

FASCINATION (FIXATION) IN FLYING

CONFUSION WITH GROUND LIGHTS

CRATER ILLUSION

AUTOKINESIS

STRUCTURAL ILLUSION

SIZE-DISTANCE ILLUSION (Size Constancy, Aerial Perspective, Shape Constancy)

HEIGHT-DEPTH PERCEPTION ILLUSION

VECTION (INDUCED MOTION ILLUSION )

TC 3-04.93

Question 26

Flying with NVGs, you are at a stationary hover in the LZ when another aircraft approaches you from your left rear with its searchlight on. You look to your right front and notice your shadow is moving to your right rear and your body feels as if you are moving forward and left. What is this perception known as?

Answer 26

• Vection (Induced Motion Illusion)

Question 27

During a roll-on landing at night, what should you consider before descending below obstacles?

Answer 27

Altitude, airspeed and apparent ground speed and rate of closure are difficult to estimate when making an approach to an area of limited contrast. P* will determine the need for supplemental lighting.
ATM Task 1064 NVG considerations

Question 28

What self-imposed stressor impairs visual sensitivity the most at night?

Answer 28

Tobacco (Cigarette Smoking)

Ref: TC 3-04.93, para. 8-88

Question 29

List the visual deficiencies and surgical procedures that can affecting night vision.

Answer 29

Some significant visual deficiencies are myopia (Night myopia), hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, and retinal rivalry.

-Surgical procedures are PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy, Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis, and LASIK.

Ref: TC 3-04.93, Section III on page 8-6

Question 30

At night during a VMC approach, when should you determine the need for use of the searchlight?

Answer 30

Surrounding terrain or vegetation may decrease contrast and cause degraded depth perception during the approach. Before descending below obstacles, determine the need for artificial lighting.

When performing operations during unaided night flight, ensure that the searchlight or landing light (white light) is in the desired position

Ref: CH-47F ATM, TASK 1058, page 4-66

Question 31

What are the Night or Night Vision Goggle Considerations for a Terrain Flight Deceleration?

Answer 31

Due to the limited field of view of the NVG, the P* must avoid abrupt changes in aircraft attitude. An extreme nose-high attitude limits the forward field of view and may cause disorientation. The P* should maintain proper scanning techniques to ensure obstacle avoidance and clearance.

Ref: CH-47F ATM, TASK 2036, page 4-111

Question 32

What is the emergency procedure for ENG1 or ENG2 XMSN Warning?

Answer 32

Crewmembers will properly identify engine
prior to performing EMER ENG SHUTDOWN.

NOTE
* ENG XMSN Warning illuminates at an oil
temperature of 190°C, rate of shutdown is
crucial to avoid fire.
* Twisting the FIRE PULL handle during this
emergency will have little to no effect if a fire
is present.

Immediate Actions:
1. EMER ENG SHUTDOWN (affected engine)
F 2. Affected ENG XMSN — Check (visually
check for fire)
Urgency to Land:
LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Subsequent Actions:
After Landing:
EMER ENG SHUTDOWN

Ref: TM 1-1520-731-10-2, page 9-26

Question 33

What are the three types of spatial disorientation?

Answer 33

Type I (Unrecognized) – Most dangerous

Type II (Recognized)

Type III (Incapacitating)

Ref: TC 3-04.93, page 9-4

Question 34

Describe the use and location of the two types of formation lights on the CH-47F?

Answer 34

There are five electroluminescent panels for unaided night formation operations and eight NVG compatible formation lights for NVG formation operations.

Electroluminescent Panels: Three panels which form an equilateral triangle are aft of the forward pylon. Two panels are on the top of the aft pylon, aft of the anticollision light.

NVG Formation Lights: There is an NVG formation light on each side of the forward pylon; two NVG formation lights on each side of the fuselage; and two NVG formation lights on the aft pylon, one aft of the anticollision light, and one on the vertical panel at the rear of the aft pylon.

TM 1-1520-731-10-2, page 2-96

Question 35

What will happen to the glare-shield and overhead flood lights if there is an electrical failure

Answer 35

Automatically Illuminates
Ref: TM 1-1520-731-10-2, page 2-100

Question 36

What is the emergency procedure for FWD XMSN LOW OIL PRESS?

Answer 36

Actions:
1. Altitude — Descend to minimum safe altitude
2. A/S — 100 KCAS or Vne, whichever is slower
Urgency to Land:
LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE

Ref: TM 1-1520-731-10-2, page 9-29

Question 37

What is the emergency procedure for AFT XMSN OIL HOT?

Answer 37

Actions:
Electrical Load — Reduce as required.
– Turn off or pull circuit breakers of nonessential circuits
– EAPS ENG1 & ENG 2 FAN Switches — OFF as required
– ANTI-ICE — OFF as required
– Searchlights — OFF as required

Urgency to Land:
LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Note 1: Load shedding should be considered
by the crew and chosen with respect to current aircraft operating conditions and mission compatibility.
Ref: TM 1-1520-731-10-2, page

Question 38

Name the vestibular illusions and be able to explain them.

Answer 38

Leans: It is an illusion of bank and occurs with a false sensation of angular displacement about the roll axis (sensation that aircraft is one-wing low).

Graveyard Spiral: As an example, if a pilot enters a turn of moderate or steep bank angle and remains in it for several seconds, the semicircular canals (which respond only to changes in angular velocity, not constant angular velocity) will eventually reach equilibrium (no stimulus) and no motion will be perceived. Upon abruptly recovering from the bank, the pilot will undergo angular deceleration, which is sensed by the semicircular canals. He or she may have a strong sensation of initiating a bank in the opposite direction even if the flight instruments contradict that perception

Coriolis Illusion: The combined effects of “cross-coupling” of canals may create a perception of motion within a new orthogonal axis (and may give rise to an overwhelming “tumbling” sensation). This is relatively easy to demonstrate in a rotating chair, and (fortunately) uncommon in flight.

Post-Roll (Gillingham) Illusion: In this instance, a pilot may initiate a roll rate into a coordinated turn, complete the maneuver, but then incorrectly provide control input to add additional bank in the same direction with the misperception of a decrease in bank or roll-reversal. This also sometimes called a “roll-after effect.”

Ref: TC 3-04.93, 9-14 to 9-17

Question 39

What is the emergency procedure for an ENG FIRE in Flight?

Answer 39

Immediate Actions:
F 1. Engine fire — Confirm
2. EMER ENG SHUTDOWN (Affected engine) — When conditions permit.

Urgency to Land:
LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Subsequent Actions:
* Close cockpit windows, air control handles,
and cockpit knobs
* Execute SMOKE AND FUME ELIMINATION — as required

After Landing:
EMER ENG SHUTDOWN

Ref: TM 1-1520-731-10-2, page 9-5

Question 40

What are the visual acuities of the ANVIS system under maximum illumination, lowest light, and low-contrast flight conditions?

Answer 40

C- Color Discrimination
A- Air/Ground Speed Limits
L- Lights and Lighting
P- Performance Relations
E- Effects of Bright Lights
A- (ABC) Automatic Brightness Control
B- (BSP) Bright Source Protection
M- Magnification
W- Weather
W- Weapons
A- Aircraft Lighting
D- Depth Perception and Distance Estimation
D- Degree
A- Acuity
T- Type
E- Experience
S- Scanning Techniques
O- Obstruction Detection
S- Spatial Disorientation
Ref: TC 3-04.4, page 4-17

Question 41

What are the natural and artificial light sources?

Answer 41

Natural light: Lunar light, Starlight, and Solar light

Artificial light: Lights from cities, automobiles, fires, and flares are normally sources of small amounts of illumination. Artificial light is most pronounced during overcast conditions.
Ref: TC 3-04.4, page 4-3 to 4-4

Question 42

What weather/meteorological conditions can effect light levels, and/or visual acuity, during night flight and list the weather conditions that contribute to these conditions.

Answer 42

Because meteorological conditions vary, light levels cannot always be accurately predicted and weather elements can change slowly or rapidly. A flight may begin with clear skies and unrestricted visibility; however, these conditions could deteriorate rapidly within the span of one fuel load. In addition, adverse weather is difficult to detect at night. Often the decrease in visual acuity and a gradual loss of horizon are very subtle.

Clouds, Fog, Rain, Snow, Sand, Dust, and other obscurants
Ref: TC 3-04.4, page 4-4 to 4-5

Question 43

What is the emergency procedure for an Electrical Fire in Flight?

Answer 43

a. LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
b. Airspeed –below 100 KCAS or Vne, whichever is slower
c. GEN 1 and GEN 2 switches- OFF
After landing:
d. EMER ENG Shutdown
e. BATT Switch- OFF

Question 44

What is an APART? When is your APART period?

Answer 44

Annual Proficiency and Readiness Test. It consists of a standardization flight evaluation, NVG flight evaluation, annual written examination, and an instrument flight evaluation that must be passed annually. All tasks that are assessed during the annual APART are based on the Commander’s METL. The APART period is the three-month period ending on the last day of the ACM’s birth month.

(Ref: TC 3-04.11 para 9-41

Question 45

What are your NVG currency requirements as a RL1 aviator?

Answer 45

All RL1 RCMs are required to have 9.0 NVD hours semi-annually, in addition to passing the NVD evaluation during their APART period.

Question 46

After signing into your new unit, when does a commander’s evaluation have to be conducted?

Answer 46

(Ref: TC 3-04.11 para 8-21) The commander’s evaluation must occur within 45 calendar days after the ACM signs into the unit or after the effective date of his or her flying status orders, whichever occurs last.

Question 47

When a RCM reaches their new duty station following IERW what RL level will they be designated?

Answer 47

(Ref TC 3-04.11 para 8-21) After 45 days, if the commander’s evaluation has not determined an RL status, the ACM will be designated RL3.

Question 48

What FAC level must you be assigned when you arrive at your unit after flight school and what FAC flying hours minimums will you assessed?

Answer 48

(Ref: TC 3-04.11 para 7-25) ACM with less than 3 years in their initial operational assignment will be assigned to FAC 1 or FAC 2 positions, but will be assigned FAC 1 flying hour minimums (determined by RCM’s primary aircraft).

Question 49

What are the minimum requirements for an initial PFE?

Answer 49

(Ref: TC 3-04.11 para 8-24) If the initial RL cannot be determined by the records review, or if the commander desires, the ACM will undergo a PFE. This PFE will consist of the tasks listed on the MTL and may consist of additional tasks determined by the evaluator or commander.

Question 50

What is the time frame to progress from RL3 to RL2 to RL1 for Active Army? ANG? RC? What days are excluded?

Answer 50

(Ref: TC 3-04.11 para 8-45) Active Army ACMs, (to include ARNG and RC on active duty orders) have 90 consecutive days to progress from one RL level to the next. If all 90 days are not used, the remainder of the 90 days can be applied for progression from RL2 to RL1. ARNG/RC ACMs have 1 year to progress from one RL to the next.