Originally Posted by
Ancient-Mariner
I have a PPL but do not have either Night or IMC ratings. Also I have never been a PAX in a SEA or twin during darkness. So please be gentle with this question!
Normally during night flying, are the lights of towns/cities of any assistance other than the navigation? In other words do these lights give any visual reference to help situational awareness so as to reduce the total reliance on the AI?
Clive
Absolutely such lights keep you aware of which way is up. However, a trained instrument pilot would have no problems in relying entirely on his instruments in the absence any visual reference. After all, under instrument conditions it is entirely feasible that the Instrument Rated pilot will lose visual reference as the main wheels leave the ground and not regain it again until at 200ft or less on an ILS approach.