UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT NWP 4-01.4 - Historic Naval Ships ...

NWP 4-01.410.11 NIGHT VERTREPShips that are certified Level I or II or are operatingunder a waiver (see OPNAVINST 3120.28) may conductVERTREP at night. In night VERTREP, the speedof the operation is reduced because of reduced visibility.Night VERTREP is carried out in the same manneras day VERTREP, subject to the limitations set forth inNWP 3-04.1M (formerly NWP 42), OPNAVINST3710.7, and the appropriate NATOPS flight manual.The final decision on conducting a night VERTREP toa certified ship is the aircraft commander’s responsibility.One or more of the following conditions must existprior to conducting VERTREP at night:1. A natural horizon is present.2. The ships are alongside in CONREP position.3. The drop/pickup zone of the ship to be worked isclearly visible from the cockpit when over thedrop/pickup zone of the delivery/receiving ship.10.11.1 Factors Affecting Night VERTREP10.11.1.1 Helicopter Limitations. Since night flyingis essentially instrument flying, the helicopter shallbe capable of instrument flight.10.11.1.2 Pilot/Crew Fatigue. Depth perceptionand visual reference at night for a pilot are greatly reduced.Pilot/crew fatigue is greatly increased because ofthe need for extra care and the constant transition from visualflight to instrument flight. Pilots should be consultedwith regard to night endurance based on the current conditions.The generally accepted limit of pilot endurance duringnight VERTREP may be as few as 2 to 3 hours.10.11.1.3 Weather/Sea State. Adverse weatherconditions further reduce night VERTREP capabilities.10.11.1.4 Ship’s Lighting. Ships certified for nightVERTREP shall display lights in accordance with AirCapable Ship Aviation Facilities Bulletin No. 1. As aminimum, the ship shall display the following lights:1. The drop area shall be outlined with a sufficientnumber of red perimeter lights to clearly definethe area for the pilot.2. Obstruction(s) in the vicinity of the drop areashould be illuminated.3. Red floodlights are focused on the flight deck ata point forward of the cargo drop area.4. A blue stern light, where provided, shall be displayedin place of the standard white light.5. Ships shall be ready at all times to adjust the intensityof all lights in the flight deck area andshall do so when directed by the aircraftcommander.6. Ship’s red and/or white forward rigging lightsand contour lights should be turned on at the aircraftcommander’s request to facilitate depthperception.WARNINGUnder no circumstances shall flash picturesof the helicopter be taken, since the flashtemporarily blinds the pilots.NoteThe pilot may use red or white landing lightsto make a safe approach.10.11.2 Night VERTREP Procedures. Essentiallythe same procedures are used for night VERTREP asduring the day. However, night cargo pickup and deliveryrequire increased care and precision. A widerflight pattern is necessary under low visibility conditions.Delivery rates, therefore, are lower than duringdaylight hours.10.11.2.1 Coordination. The OTC is responsible for:1. Directing all ships in the formation to show aircraftobstruction lights2. Employing a course and speed that will minimizedeck motion and keep ship’s stack gasesaway from the helicopter in the VERTREP area.10.11.2.2 Signaling and Communications1. The LSE shall use amber wands for helicopterdirection signals.2. The LSE shall use the landing signal light kit(battery powered).3. A green flashlight or chemical light will be securedto the hookup man’s/load spotter’s helmetto aid the air crewman in determining the pickuppoint. The light should be attached so as to be visiblewhen the crewman looks up at the helicopter.10-29 ORIGINAL