Night flying involves a mixture of visual and instrument flying skills
Despite what you may think, night flying is not difficult		Flying at night is a thrilling experience. It is a totally different experience to normal flight through the day

 

Introduction

The night qualification may be completed as part of the applicants initial PPL training or after their licence is issued.

It is an On-Track Aviation recommendation that the applicant is able to fly Straight and Level, Climb, Descend and Turn by sole reference to instruments prior to commencing the night qualification course.

Privileges

To fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane at night

Carriage of Passengers

The holder of a licence that does not include a valid instrument rating (aeroplane) shall not act as pilot-incommand of an aeroplane carrying passengers at night unless, during the previous 90 days, at least one take-off and landing has been completed at night.

Training

5 hours of flight training at night to include:

• A minimum of 3 hours dual flight instruction including 1 hour of night navigation dual flight instruction
• Remaining hours may be flown solo or dual but must include 5 solo take-offs and landings

2 hours of ground training should be given covering:

• Night Operations
• Night Visual Circuits
• Night Navigation
• Night Emergencies

References

The Air Pilot's Manual by Trevor Thom (Volume 5 only)

AOPA Night Flying Syllabus

LASORS

Night Flying Manual and Syllabus by R D Campbell

Instructional Techniques for the FI by J Halstead and A Newton (click here for details)

Revalidation

This is a qualification and therefore does not have any revalidation criteria. Before carrying passengers at night the Carriage of Passengers criteria must be met. Having said all that, Flight Safety and common sense dictate that if you have not flown at night for some time a dual flight with a night qualified instructor would be prudent.