Requirements for Night VFR: training and equipment
1. night flight authorisation (night rating)
To obtain a licence as a private pilot (PPL) or light aircraft pilot (LAPL) Night flight to be allowed to carry out a Additional night flight authorisation required.
This authorisation is granted by the EASA FCL.810 and requires special training that includes the following:
- At least 5 hours night flight training
- 5 Solo take-offs and landings at night
- Navigation flight at night
- Training in dealing with Instrument flight procedures in darkness
Information on this can be found in our Academy!
2. aircraft equipment for night flights
After the EASA Part-NCO.IDE.A.120-regulations, aircraft require special equipment for night flights, including:
- Instruments for position determination:
- Turning and sliding flight display
- Attitude indicator
- Variometer
- Stabilised tax rate indicator
- Emergency power indicator for gyro instruments
- Anti-collision lights (beacons & strobes)
- Navigation lights (position lights)
- Landing light for take-off and landing
- Instrument lighting in the cockpit
- Anti-icing protection for airspeed indicator (Pitot Heat)
This equipment is essential because the Spatial orientation at night differs considerably from perception during the day.
Route planning: landmarks and navigation at night
A carefully planned flight path is even more important at night than during the day, as visual landmarks can vary greatly.
1. important visual references at night
- Illuminated cities and towns offer good orientation.
- Motorways and major roads are easy to recognise and often illuminated.
- Large bodies of water reflect moon or city lights and can serve as a navigation aid.
- Wind farms and industrial plants are also clearly visible thanks to their flashing lights.
- Ski slopes in winter are often well-lit and can provide good orientation.
2. avoid dark areas
- Forest and mountain regions without artificial lighting are difficult to assess.
- The lack of visible landmarks can lead to disorientation and spatial illusions.
- In regions with few light sources, a false perception of the horizon can occur.
3. use of modern navigation aids
- GPS with moving map makes navigation considerably easier.
- VOR/DME or NDB radio navigation can serve as a backup.
- A paper-based navigation map with marked landmarks should always be at hand.
Safety and emergency procedures for night flights
1. emergency management in the event of loss of visibility
If a pilot loses visual reference to the ground, it is important to Instrument flight techniques (IFR basics) to fall back on.
- Standard straight flight with controlled rate of climb or descent
- Constant monitoring of the horizon via the instruments
- No sudden changes of direction or fast manoeuvres
- Immediate radio connection with air traffic control (ATC)if there is any uncertainty
2. alternative airfields and emergency landing options
When planning flights, the available Illuminated airfields along the route.
- Many small Aerodromes do not have a night operating licenceso that alternative airfields are necessary.
- Emergency landings in unlit areas are Extremely difficult and should only be considered as a last resort.
- Pilots should Check in advance whether destination or alternate aerodromes are open at night (AIP or aerodrome website).
Weather conditions: Special challenges at night
1. influence of moonlight on vision
- Full moon nights offer a much better view and make navigation easier.
- Snow-covered landscapes in combination with moonlight are highly reflective and almost simulate daylight conditions.
- Dark nights without the moon can make it difficult to recognise the horizon.
2. starry nights and disorientation
- On nights with clear view, but without moon it can be difficult to distinguish lights on the ground from stars.
- These optical illusion can lead to dizziness or a misjudgement of the horizon.
- Pilots must therefore focus more on Exit instrument displays.
3. risk of "white out" effects
- High mountains, snow and clouds can blend visually at night.
- In such situations, it is difficult to distinguish between terrain and clouds.
- Good planning with visual Fixed points and navigation aids is decisive here.
4. temperature and weather changes at night
- The temperature often drops rapidly at night, leading to Radiation fog or unexpected icing can lead.
- Airports like Gardermoen in Norway are known for suddenly occurring Ground fog in the early hours of the morning.
- Pilots should always have sufficient Fuel for an alternative route and bring warm clothing.
Conclusion: Night VFR - an unforgettable experience with special requirements
Flying at night under visual flight rules can be a fascinating experience, but requires thorough preparation and special training.
- One Night flight authorisation is required to fly safely in the dark.
- The Correct aircraft equipment such as anti-collision lights, navigation lighting and instrument lighting is indispensable.
- Careful route planning with prominent visual landmarks is crucial.
- Good weather conditions and moonlight make navigation considerably easier.
- Pilots should always be aware of possible Prepared for emergencies and know alternative airports.
With the right planning, equipment and care, Night VFR becomes a unforgettable and safe experiencethat takes aviation to a whole new dimension.
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