Night Vision Goggles For Helicopter Pilots - Research Paper Example

Assessing The Benefits Of Night Vision Goggles In The Helicopter EMS Industry Abstract Since over a few decades, helicopters have been into use to provide efficient Emergency Medical Services (EMS) through air-route. Nevertheless, flying and delivering EMS at night had posed limitations to such innovative practices, raising concerns for the safety of the service delivering crew along with the victims. Non-negligibly, a considerable percentage of accidents in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) deliverance occur during nighttime operations. Therefore, to add to the control efficiency and safety of both the service providers and the service receivers, Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) were invented as control and safety enhancements in the HEMS sector. The most convincing uses of this equipment can be identified in terms of greater ease to deliver HEMS even in challenging environmental conditions and enhanced safety during nighttime service deliverance apart from the flexibility to conduct such operations for 24x7. Altogether, the invention has added to the efficiencies and competencies of the EMS industry without compromising its safety and control needs that was also agreed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The objective of this study is therefore to evaluate the key purposes of using NVGs in the HEMS industry gauging the arguments based on the benefits yielded. Assessing the Benefits of Night Vision Goggles in the Helicopter EMS Industry History of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) are specifically attributed as the safety enhancement tools that enable individuals to see through during nighttime. NVGs came into existence owing to the need of EMS providers to conduct operations at night to ensure that maximum number of lives could be saved and the crises could be controlled in a much efficient manner. However, similar to the history of many Night Vision Devices (NVDs), NVGs were invented as a military instrument to be used during World War II. During the then period, it not only helped enhancing efficiency of the ground army as well as the air forces but also ensured that investigations were conducted more rigorously (Chrzanowski, 2013). Subsequently, in the later days, it expanded within the EMS sector. It must also be taken into consideration that it was during the same period that evolutions began taking place in the EMS industry, with greater emphasis for ariel assistance. However, as a matter of fact, saving the life of people in crisis and life-threatening situations demanded services round the clock with superior efficiency. It was thus that pilots had to face considerable challenges when delivering assistance during nighttime, at low visibility. As McCall (2008) noted, around 49% of airplane crashes take place when delivering services at night in the HEMS industry. This further limited the safety crew to deliver their complete efforts in taking safety measures at night (McCall, 2008). The first success in the development of the concept of night vision technology came into existence with the development of searchlights through modified infrared visions that blocked visibility and only passed nearby Infrared Radiations (IR). This provided a situation of semi visibility and even enhanced the ability of its users to visualize under adverse weather conditions (Chrzanowski, 2013; McLean, Rash, McEntire, Braithwaite & Mora, 1998). Subsequently, the first breakthrough was attained by the development of Gen 0 night vision devices, which majorly used electron amplification that enabled vision to a certain extent at night. This was highly useful at the time of World War II and enhanced the ability of the combatants to develop their vision at night and conduct combats even during nighttime. This also supported Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), as the use of such goggles enhanced visibility of pilots at night as well as in poor climatic conditions (Chrzanowski, 2013). These advancements were followed by the continuous and effective developments of the device and specifically, with the use of tubes that supported quality of visibility. With the advancements in technology and progress in the tubes, the development of NVGs evolved in the subsequent years and was referred as Gen 1. The enhancement of image resolution progressed with the development of tubes present in Gen 1 cameras as well as the use of lenses were better than those used in Gen 0. This development in the field of lenses further contributed to the enhancement of imaging in Gen 2 as well as in Gen 3 cameras and lenses. The progress in cameras and lenses even evidence the development of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) that improved the quality of night vision for pilots and individuals involved in the aviation industry. The American combatants first used these NVGs in the Vietnam War to execute their operations at night. Later in the year 1992, NVGs were used by the aviation industry. Specifically, NVGs were regarded as most crucial and useful for pilots in the HEMS industry that enhanced their visibility at night and reduced their possibility of crashing. This enhanced their ability to maintain safety while conducting ambulance services during nighttime emergencies (Chrzanowski, 2013). From a more critical perspective, in the discussion presented henceforth, the benefits of using NVGs for improving the quality of night vision for pilots in the HEMS industry. To develop a better understanding towards the use of NVGs, limitations and areas of concern have also been analyzed while the benefits are highlighted to develop a better understanding of the overall concept. Rising Concern Night operations have received immense significance in the recent years of the HEMS industry. However, maximum number of fatalities were recorded during the nighttime operations that limited efficiency in this industry to a significant extent, which could be reduced through the use of NVGs. Increasing visibility after day light was the most prominent benefit that NVGs rewarded to the HEMS industry, facilitating the pace of response to any crisis situation (Baker, Grabowski, Dodd, Shanahan, Lamb & Li, 2006). Fig 1: Accidents during HEMS (Source: Baker et al., 2006) Reports have depicted that lack of proper visibility of the pilots affect the movements of helicopters during the nighttime; hence, the use of NVGs provides a proper support for developing a clear view while conducting the EMS services by using helicopters. Additionally, it for pilots, vision of the outside world is crucial during flights to prevent chances of accidents. This is where the use of safety instruments, such as NVGs, is likely to provide efficient support to enhance the quality of visibility while conducting aerial operations during nighttime (Johnson, 2007). However, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been highly concerned with the efficiency of the training provided to pilots concerning the use of NVGs. Reports by the National Transportation Safety Board herewith revealed that in several instances, the pilots using NVGs were observed as highly disoriented, as they lacked adequate training and awareness about the instrument. NTSB further expressed its concerns with the development of consciousness about the use of NVGs for people working in graveyards and other areas where development of clear night vision is deemed necessary (National Transportation Safety Board, 2013; National Transportation Safety Board, 2006). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also expressed its concerns about the use of NVGs for travelling during nighttime to get a clear vision of locations where the helicopter is being landed or flying through terrain areas. Specifically, the FAA has been referring to the use of NVGs for providing support to the pilots conducting emergency medical transportation (Federal Aviation Administration, 2014). Furthermore, the training agencies of the HEMS industry have stressed on the use of NVGs to prevent any uncertain circumstances and reduce chances of risk while flying helicopters during nighttime (Baker et al., 2006). Nevertheless, it is arguable that use of NVGs has yet not been mandated in the HEMS industry that has also been argued as a major limitation to its successful implementation. Benefits of NVGs to HEMS Industry With the advancement in technologies, a huge development in the procedure of delivering EMS assistance has become apparent. To be noted in this context, constant development has been witnessed within the HEMS sector, majorly since the invention of NVGs and its continuous upgradation from Gen 0 to Gen 3. From the use of searchlights in the Gen 0 era of NVGs, there has been a huge shift in the present day use of these safety equipments that support night vision at various areas and under several situations. For instance, the Gen 2+ lenses for the NVGs focus on intensifying images and eradicating limitations of poor visibility for developing a clear vision at night and thereby assisting pilots. These vision devices use tubes that provide a Figure of Merit (FOM) to enhance visibility during nighttime. The Gen III set of lenses, which are used in NVGs and binoculars, are also observed to be advantageous for providing a clear vision in regions of low illumination and green vegetation. The use of these NVGs is accordingly observed as beneficial in desert areas and areas covered with snow (Chrzanowski, 2013). The lenses used in NVGs are also considered as higher shock defiant and has low halo, which allows better vision at lower illuminated areas. The development of thermal lens enhances the vision in areas having mist or fog covers. The lenses used by NVGs in the recent years are more powerful and have a higher vision area as compared to Gen 0 NVGs. The lenses built on thermal imaging develop the vision based on body temperature. This provides an enhanced level of vision, even in areas having poor visibility. The development in the quality of night vision, with the use of NVGs even supports the operations of the medical service providers to enhance their ability to lower down the risks involved with the use of helicopters during emergencies (Negroni & Veillette, 2010). In addition, areas covered under dense fogs could be visible using these lenses and an enhanced visibility could be developed (Chrzanowski, 2013). NVGs are presently used as a part of the aviation suits to enhance the visibility of the pilots even under absurd situations. The use of NVGs is beneficial for the areas having low cultural lighting or mountains. The major benefits that could be linked to the use of NVGs involve its ability to detect minute movements that would otherwise be missed if viewed with open eyes. Furthermore, unlike the previous generation goggles the NVGs produced under Gen III does not possess the limitation of poor vision in day light. To be precise, sudden exposure to bright light does not create a blockage of vision like the previous ones this acts as an added advantage for the HEMS industry (Chrzanowski, 2013; Baker et al., 2006). Limitations of NVGs to HEMS Industry Besides the above mentioned advantages obtained from the use of NVGs, there are certain limitations possessed by this instrument as well. It should not be overlooked upon that the first generations of NVGs had certain major drawbacks, which were gradually eradicated in the following generations. Therefore, only a few limitations are identifiable in the latest version of NVGs used in the HEMS industry, which paves a wider scope of its continuous development. Firstly, the use of Gen III NVGs lacks accuracy of vision that might affect a clear visibility after a certain level of distance. Specifically, use of the different devices fails to provide accurate vision in the darkness for fast moving objects. NVGs are also often observed to fail acquire clear visions for the objects that are located at a certain distance. Certain environmental factors can even create a severe amount of disturbances to obtain a clear vision of objects. For instance, if the helicopter is landing in a dusty place or in hazardous weather conditions, there is a huge chance that the amount of dust can create a severe blockage in the vision while using the NVGs (Schmickley, 2001). Improper head motions may create several obstructions as well. Notably, there are certain constrictions with respect to the lenses used in NVGs, owing to which, blockage of vision over wider range is often observed to affect the clear visibility of the objects (Schmickley, 2001; Johnson, n.d.). Furthermore, the lack of color discrimination qualities in night vision glasses prevents the HEMS pilot from identifying movements and creates a blockage to the overall vision. The improper identification of color also leads to blockages in the vision during the nighttime. In addition, the distinction of objects is often problematic with the use of Gen III lenses (Johnson, n.d.). Besides these limitations, adaptation of the eyes with the blurriness of vision associated with movement creates further blockages with the visionaries at night. Pilots who use Gen III NVGs during their nighttime operations have also complained that with the use of the helmet-mounted goggles, the chances of fatigue and neck pain persists and often leads to irritation (Johnson, n.d.). It is fundamentally owing to these limitations that NVGs of Gen III demand for better quality development along with adequate training assistance to the pilots in the HEMS industry. Misconceptions Regarding NVGs to HEMS Industry While the above stated limitations possessed by the NVGs are being scientifically evaluated, influences caused by misconceptions in the HEMS sector are also worth consideration. Many of these misconceptions tend to emphasize the ease of using NVGs, whereby pilots often complain about the inconveniences of using this equipment. To be mentioned in this context, records justify that pilots often fail to accept the importance of undergoing rigorous training concerning the use of NVGs. Without proper training, it would be impossible for the users to use NVGs efficiently. Another myth that is related to the use of NVGs is that it can be used in areas of complete darkness. This is an incorrect concept, as there is a need of minimum amount of light for developing a vision with the use of NVG. Among pilots, the notion is even quite popular that NVGs provides efficient support for developing vision through clouds. This is false, as one cannot see through clouds even when they are using NVGs (Johnson, n.d.). The misconception that is related to the use of the NVGs majorly deals with the use of NVGs under the diverse environmental conditions. It is even noted that the development of vision, even affect the overall development of the complete vision. However, it is evident that the NVGs are not used in the areas where there are huge amount of fogs and mists. Furthermore, the adaptation to the diverse lights may even take massive time when using NVGs. The sudden change in weather can even lead to the blockage of vision, delaying its time taken for efficiency (Johnson, n.d.). Current Situation The various HEMS organizations related to the development of air vision are recommending the use of NVGs. Organizations, such as NTSB has mandated the use of NVGs while flying helicopters during nighttime. Arguments have mostly been centered to the fact that helicopters providing ambulance services during emergencies must use NVGs to develop their visions and prevent the chances of accidents. However, FAA has mandated the use of NVGs, as a rule to develop the night visions of the pilots, many of the HMES organizations are yet to inculcate the safety enhancement in their policies. Certain airline agencies providing EMS have made the use of NVGs a compulsory equipment of the pilots’ uniform, especially when participating in nighttime operations. This would provide an enhanced support to pilots flying helicopters during the night to ensure proper safety to the people being carried (Johnson, n.d.). As advice by many professionals, the aviation departments in control of the EMS sector must be more aggressive to make the use of NVGs integrating the same as a part of their rules and regulations to ensure proper support of flying and reduce chances of fatal events. Illustratively, Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) provide an efficient support to prevent chances of accidents. In addition, agencies are incorporating NVGs as safety equipments to enhance visibility during nighttime and even provide efficient support to develop visions for pilots to avoid chances of accidents. The development is anticipated to enhance the ability of the pilots to fly helicopters safely even at night and provide efficient support under certain environmental constraints (Johnson, n.d.). The rules guiding federal register make it clear that the overall development of the use of Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS) and NVGs are complementary products for developing the overall safety of both the service providers and the recipients while transporting patients during EMS (Department of Transportation, 2014). FAA Requirements and Regulations FAR Part: 61.31 According to the requirements of FAR Part: 61.31, aircrafts as well as helicopters should be rated on the basis of their efficiency. Under this act, it is mandatory to detail the types of aircrafts as well as helicopters being used for aviation. The major need for a rating is to provide a detailed understanding of the different safety measures, which are likely to be undertaken while flying aircrafts or helicopters. The detailed ratings would even specify the level of knowledge the person possesses and would provide an understanding of the overall concept of safety (1US Government, 2012). FAR Part: 61.51 This part of FAR provides a clear entry system within the logbook of pilots. These entries would give a clear picture of the overall experience as well as training, which the pilots had received over the years. This would also help the administrators in delegating duties to judge the exact amount of training required for the pilots and even enhance their capacity to maintain adequate safety. The details of their experience would even provide an insight to fly safely under adverse environmental conditions. In addition, the entries in the logbook would provide the administrator with indicators and even enhance the ability of the administrators to judge the efficiency of the pilots in preserving their level of commitment towards their duty (2US Government, 2012). FAR Part: 61.57 A detailed outline of the general experiences of the person is to be provided for the administrators to judge their expertise. Arguably, when the night experiences are detailed, a proper understanding of pilot’s efficiencies could be ascertained on the basis of this act. This would help in establishing the proper allocation of duty and further ensure safety of the people travelling. It is also mandatory to provide night flying experiences, as it would support proper judgment to the ability of the pilots as well as ensure safety while travelling (5US Government, 2006). FAR Part: 61.195 This particular policy gives a detailed outline to the understanding of the limitations that must be addressed by the flight instructors while providing training. Specific rules and restrictions are provided under the law specifying the tenure through which, the training is to be provided to the pilots. Additionally, the law even details out the instrument proficiency of the instructor that needs a proper development of certification to act as an evidence for the training received (3US Government, 2011). FAR Part: 91.205 The rules mentioned under the section provide mandatory factors required for the use of NVGs and other relevant specifications. The section also provides a detailed guideline pertaining to product specifications related to the operations performed using NVGs (4US Government, 2011). Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) TAWS can be referred as a set of warning systems that are used within the aircraft and helicopters, which enhances the regulatory support prevalent within the system. This regulation provides a detailed guideline of the flights’ position when flying above terrain lands. This helps in obtaining a detailed understanding of the flights’ projected path and the position of the terrain to prevent possible collisions. TAWS likewise provides a detailed digital display of the path taken by the helicopters. However, TAWS does not provide the level of confidence that the pilots gain when flying in day light without using the NVGs. Hence, the use of TAWS backed by the use of NVGs provides an additional support to enhance the safety while flying in darkness. It is in this context that the use of TAWS provides an additional safety and reduces the chances of accidents. Furthermore, the use of supportive devices enhances the level of safety by developing a better understanding of the geographic locations of the place (U.S. Department of Transportation 2014; U.S. Department of Transportation, 2014). Future of NVGs NVGs are of high importance for both combatants as well flight instructors in the recent years. With the increase in the use of NVGs, there has been a huge development in the field of research conducted in the specific area. Such developments are anticipated to increase acceptance of the people. In addition, with an augmented safety need, the chances of integration of the same within different fields cannot be disregarded completely (Universal Avionics Systems Corporation, 2015). With the increasing number of demands for NVGs among the pilots, a series of research and operations have been undertaken. These developments have been majorly focused on enhancing the degree of safety involved in travelling during the night. Furthermore, the use of NVGs is anticipated to increase the safety of the pilots and other travellers during the time of emergencies at night. The use of proper lenses and development in the product quality of the NVGs are further perceived to enhance the quality of night vision and augment safety while travelling. The continuous development in the quality of lenses is also anticipated to develop visibility in the darkness (Universal Avionics Systems Corporation, 2015). Conclusion With the growing need of 24x7 EMS operations, an increased requirement for the development of devices to support helicopters to fly even under adverse situations has increased massively. It is owing to the demanded efficiency betterment that helicopters have been in use to offer efficient assistance in the EMS industry. However, serving continually also required the helicopters to be available at night, which was again subjected to high risks for accidents and fatalities. This led to the invention of NVGs as safety enhancement tools for the pilots in the HEMS industry. The key benefits obtained though this tool was that it helped enhancing the efficiency or response quality of the HEMS industry along with ensuring adequate safety for the professionals when performing nighttime operations. Although certain limitations were identified as associated with the tool, it is worth mentioning that the developmental process is on continuation owing to which, the gadgets are likely to get better in the near future. This would certainly result in better quality services to be delivered by the HEMS industry. References Angel, S. (2001). NVG eyepiece focuses (diopter) study. Air Force Research Laboratory, 1-11. Baker, S. P., Grabowsk, J. G., Dodd, R. S., Shanahan, D. F., Lamb, M. W. and Li, G. H. (2006). 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Federal aviation administration, DOT. Retrieved from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2006-title14-vol2/pdf/CFR-2006-title14-vol2-sec61-57.pdf Universal Avionics Systems Corporation. (2015). Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS). Retrieved from http://uasc.com/documents/products/UASC_TAWS_Brochure.pdf Read More