Yet another bit of nonsense perpetrated by Cretins Against Safe Aviation.
Hold a current MECIR and you can conduct a flight under Ngt VFR conditions, provided you meet night recency requirements.
Let the MECIR lapse and you instantly become "unsafe" to conduct the same flight.
..... but get a ATO to sign off on a ME Ngt VFR form, and pay your money, and you remain "safe" for life to conduct the above flight, provided you meet night recency requirements.
What drivel!
Used to be that you had to demonstrate an engine failure at night under VMC, but a couple of prangs put paid to that.
Dr 