Originally Posted by
meleagertoo
But withe a night rating you are still required to have visual reference with the ground. If there are no lights (ie over the sea) and no horizon or sky references then you can be definition only be flying by sole reference to instruments which specifically requires an IR or IMC rating. Under those conditions your rating to fly VMC at night is negated by there being no VMC present.
When VFR on top you cannot see the ground either. And VMC only means you will be able to see and avoid other aircraft by their lights, it does not require you see any light of the ground. When flying at night, lights (stars or from the ground) can be a source of spatial disorientation and you should only rely on your instruments. That's why artificial horizon is compulsory for night VFR, isn't it ?