What the VFR night flight authorisation enables
The VFR night flight authorisation allows holders of certain private pilot licences to carry out flights under visual flight rules after the end of civil twilight and before the beginning of dawn. Without this additional qualification, night flying is generally not permitted for private pilots, even if weather conditions and visibility would theoretically allow it.
The night flying licence is legally regulated in European licensing law. It can be obtained by holders of a PPL(A), an LAPL(A) and a TMG licence. There is a special feature for LAPL holders: as this licence does not include comprehensive instrument flight training, limited instrument flight training is required before commencing night flight training. This provides basic skills for the safe handling of instruments, which play a much greater role at night than during the day.
No examination, but mandatory training
Unlike many other flying qualifications, VFR night flight training does not end with a formal theoretical or practical examination. Instead, the rating is confirmed by the flight school after completion of the prescribed training and entered on the licence.
However, this does not mean that the requirements are low. The training itself is mandatory, even if the specific content of the theory is not specified in detail. In practice, flight schools take different approaches here. Some offer structured theory evenings or compact courses, while others limit themselves to a detailed theoretical briefing by the flight instructor immediately before the first night flights.
Theoretical contents: More than just darkness
Even if the scope is not precisely defined, the theory of night flight authorisation typically covers several key topics. These include the particular physiological aspects of night vision, such as reduced colour perception and limited depth estimation. Optical illusions, which can be caused by light sources, dark surroundings or a lack of horizons, also play an important role.
Another focus is on flight preparation and navigation at night. Landmarks become less important, while illuminated roads, cities or industrial plants become important orientation aids. This is supplemented by aspects of airspace structure, radio traffic and emergency procedures, which have to be assessed differently at night than during the day.
Practical requirements for training
The practical part of the VFR night flight authorisation is clearly defined. A total of at least five flying hours at night are required. Of these, at least three hours must be completed with a flight instructor. During this training period, a cross-country flight is also required to an airfield that is at least 50 kilometres away from the starting airfield.
In addition, the pilot must carry out at least five take-offs and five landings at night when flying solo without an instructor. These must not be touch-and-go, but must each end with a complete stop on the runway. The aim is to consolidate the safe handling of take-off and landing phases under night conditions, as these are among the most demanding phases of night flying.
The training can be carried out on single-engine aeroplanes. Ultralight aircraft are excluded from night flying in Germany, which is why the night flying licence has no practical relevance for this class of aircraft.
Night flying in practice: special demands on the pilot
The transition from day to night flying requires more than just formal authorisation. Many pilots report that workload, perception and decision-making change significantly at night. Dependence on instruments increases, even for flights officially conducted under visual flight rules. At the same time, there are fewer alternative aerodromes available and weather changes are often more difficult to predict.
This is precisely why the night flying licence is a valuable addition to flying training. It not only expands the time available for action, but also sharpens the pilot's awareness and ability to realistically assess risks.
Maintenance of authorisation and passenger flights
The VFR night flight authorisation itself is valid indefinitely. However, additional requirements apply for carrying passengers. Private pilots must have carried out at least three take-offs and landings within the last 90 days, including at least one at night. This regulation is intended to ensure that practical skills remain up to date.
Less stringent requirements apply here for instrument rating pilots, as night flying is considered an integral part of training and practice as part of IFR operations.
Conclusion: More freedom, but also more responsibility
The VFR night flight authorisation opens up new opportunities for private pilots and considerably broadens their flying horizons. At the same time, it requires a high degree of discipline, preparation and self-reflection. Those who consciously embrace the special challenges of night flying and take the training seriously not only gain an additional authorisation, but also valuable flying experience that has a positive impact on all areas of private aviation.
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Source references:
Aviation magazine
