This AC provides guidance material and the acceptable means of compliance for helicopter operators and helicopter crew members and instructors involved with the conduct of a helicopter night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operation using a Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS).
This AC should be read in conjunction with Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) - Helicopter Civil Aviation Notice (NTC 91.273) and rules 91.271, 91.273(a), and 91.273(b).
This AC applies to operators of NVIS-equipped helicopters, pilots, licenced aircraft maintenance engineers, Parts 145 and 146 organisations, Design Delegation Holders, NVIS crew members, and instructors engaged in helicopter night VFR operations using Night Vision Goggles (NVGs).
This AC relates specifically to helicopter operations conducted under Civil Aviation Rule Parts 19, 21, 43, 61, 91, 119, 135, 145, and 146.
Revision 2 is a substantive update to reflect the intent of changes to Parts 61 and 91 following the Assorted Issues Rules Project (2023) and the associated Notice.
We have also:
CAA is encouraging helicopter operators, training providers, and aviation groups to start using the Trial AC from 2 April and share feedback on what works and what could be improved.
Feedback will be formally collected in June 2026, with an updated version of the AC published later that year to reflect user experience.
