What is the minimum visibility for night mountainous local flights with NVGs or TAWS?

The minimum visibility requirement for night mountainous local flights when utilizing Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) or Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) is established at 3 miles. This standard is critical for ensuring safety during flight operations in challenging terrain, where visual references are limited due to darkness.

Having at least 3 miles of visibility allows pilots to effectively interpret their environment and navigate through potential obstacles that are characteristic of mountainous regions. The use of NVGs enhances situational awareness, but they do not substitute for adequate visibility. In these conditions, maintaining a minimum of 3 miles ensures that pilots have enough visual information to make informed decisions and maintain safe flight paths.

This requires careful adherence to visibility regulations, as reduced visibility can significantly heighten the risks associated with flight operations in complex environments. Therefore, the 3-mile requirement serves as a safeguard to enhance the overall safety of night aviation operations in mountainous areas.