Download the PDF consolidation of Part 61 [PDF 497 KB]
To be eligible for the issue of a NVIS rating, a person must –
(1) hold at least a current private pilot licence in the appropriate category of aircraft; and
(2) hold at least a current class 2 medical certificate issued under the Act; and
(3) have appropriate flight experience as specified in a notice under rule 91.273; and
(4) have successfully completed the following –
(i) an approved NVIS ground training course as specified in a notice under rule 91.273; and
(ii) an approved NVIS flight training course for the same type of aircraft as the one intended for NVG operations as specified in a notice under rule 91.273; and
(iii) a NVIS initial flight check conducted by an appropriately qualified flight instructor or flight examiner which includes as a minimum, the person is to demonstrate competency in those areas specified in a notice under rule 91.273.
(a) If the flight instructor or flight examiner who conducted the competency demonstration referred to in rule 61.935(a)(4)(iii) is satisfied that the pilot complies with rule 61.935, the flight instructor or flight examiner may issue the NVIS rating by entering the following statement in the pilot’s logbook:
I certify that on [date of assessment] [name of pilot and licence number] has satisfied the requirements of Civil Aviation Rules Part 61 for the issue of a NVIS rating for [specify aircraft type].. [enter the date, full name, signature, and licence number of the flight instructor/flight examiner issuing the rating].
(b) The holder of a NVIS rating issued under paragraph (a) may apply to the Director to have the rating endorsed on the holder’s pilot licence.
(c) On receiving an application and payment of the applicable fee, the Director may endorse the NVIS rating on the pilot licence.
(d) A pilot who holds a NVIS rating endorsed by the Director immediately before 5 April 2025 is deemed to have the rating endorsed under paragraph (c).
A pilot who has a New Zealand Defence Force NVIS qualification may be certified for night flying using NVIS if the pilot has completed the night flight training required under this Part and has completed the NVIS recurrent training specified in a notice under rule 91.273.
A person who holds a foreign NVIS qualification from an ICAO Contracting State may be certified for operating an aircraft at night using NVIS if the person has completed the night flying training required under this Part or as specified in a notice under rule 91.273.
(a) The holder of a current NVIS rating may act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft operating at night using NVIS.
(b) Paragraph (a) is subject to the privileges and limitations of the holder’s pilot licence.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a pilot who holds a NVIS rating must not exercise the privileges of the rating unless the pilot —
(1) successfully completed an annual NVIS competency check with an appropriately qualified flight instructor;
(2) successfully completed recurrent NVIS training in the preceding 12 months covering areas specified in a notice under rule 91.273; and
(3) successfully completed any other appropriate training or NVG aircraft operations as specified in a notice under rule 91.273.
(b) A record specifying that the pilot successfully completed the recurrent NVIS training and any other appropriate training or NVG aircraft operations must be recorded in the pilot’s logbook as required by rule 61.29.
(c) A pilot who holds a NVIS rating and has not operated an aircraft at night using NVIS for 12 months or more must not carry out such an operation unless the pilot has successfully completed a requalification training course as specified in a notice under rule 91.273.
