UnderneathTheRadar,
You are 100% right in saying that the rules with regards to night recency for IFR flight seem segmented and insufficient. Below is my interpretation albeit from a CIR prospective.
- Firstly, If the flight is undertaken wholly under the IFR then NVFR regs and limitations cannot be applied.
- In the I.R. CAO there is no night recency requirements for flights undertaken under the IFR.
- The recency requirement of 3 take off and landings at night or day depending on wether the proposed flight is at night or not for carriage of passengers does apply. It does not appear in the CAO as it is not a restriction on the Instrument Rating It is a restriction on your pilots licence (PPL/CPL/ATPL) and therefore appears in the CAR's. Ref: CAR 5.82 Private (aeroplane) pilot: recent experience requirements.
What’s strange about this is that there are no night recency requirements If you are the sole occupant of the aircraft, none that I have been able to to locate anyway. Hopefully common sense would prevail and the pilot would make an honest assessment of his or her ability to undertake the flight the inherent dangers of night flight. I cant believe the Reg's leave this one open.
While on the subject what is other Ppruner's view on the PIFR? I have always seen the recency requirements as lacking and bordering on dangerous. Is it ok to leave appraisal of ones ability to undertake a flight entirely to the pilot whom is possibly inexperienced and in out of his or her depth?
Hope this helps
MHA