Introduction

General

Although ground training is not a requirement for the night rating a review of some essential background knowledge is most definitely required. Your instructor will review the training program with you and give you an overview of the training for the night rating.

At the very minimum review the airport layout and lighting. Even if you are familiar with the airport, a review of the layout will nonetheless be helpful. An understanding of various lighting systems, including taxiway, runway edge, threshold, approach, obstruction, aerodrome beacon, wind direction indicator, and approach slope indicator, is an important requirement.

Take a moment to also review your aircraft’s electrical system. You probably know a fair bit about the electrical system however a review will set the stage for understanding how things can fail and what can be done in the event of a malfunction. If needed ask your instructor to explain the aircraft lighting. Success in night flying requires a good working knowledge of the aircraft lighting. That means knowing what lighting is available, and how and when to use it.

Also, be sure to review human factors as they apply to night flying. Subjects to consider include night vision, kinesthetic illusions, visual illusions, autokinesis, black holes, pitch-up and pitch-down illusions, fatigue, and, if your training is conducted in winter, cold weather operations.

Instrument Flying

A certain amount of instrument flying is needed for the night rating because there are some night situations in which instruments are almost the only attitude reference available. Private pilot training now requires five hours of dual instrument flying. Many instructors like to do at least some of this instrument flying at night, although it will not be counted as part of the five hours dual night flight time needed for the rating. In addition, if the equipment is available, it is recommended that you learn more about radio aids to navigation than is required for the Private Pilot Licence. This might include the ability to use VOR, ADF or GPS to determine a position and to home to the facility or waypoint.

Recommending for the Night Rating

There is no flight test required for the night rating, but your instructor will know when you are competent to exercise the privileges of the rating, which is more than simply acquiring the necessary dual and solo flight time.