As far as I'm concerned, this is required equipment:
- Petzl TacTikka (
PETZL): A headlamp with LEDs, runs on 3 AAA batteries forever. Three brightness levels for outside work and an integrated flip-over red filter for in-cockpit use.
- Mini-Maglite - the dual AA type (
2-Cell AA). As a spare, and for looking through holes into the cowling and things where you need a concentrated beam of light. Attach to a lanyard or attach a pocket clip so that you don't lose it in the cockpit. (
Accessory Pack > Accessories)
Learn what all the knobs that have to do with lighting do. Not just to turn the external lights on, but also the various knobs that dim your interior lights. Check dimmers and internal lights as part of your preflight.
Plan your flight religiously. Night flying in busy, tight airspace requires more of your mental capacity than day flying, initially at least. Planning your flight literally "on the fly" or doing an unplanned diversion is very hard, not in the least since your map will be harder to read regardless of what type of lighting you're using.
Use whatever radio/radar service is available. It is easier to get lost in the dark and blunder into someones airspace. Plus, solo night flying can make you feel incredibly alone and it really helps to hear another human voice answering your "radio check".
If you plan to do visual navigation, make sure you select objects that are easy to see in the dark. Powerlines, railway lines and such make for very bad landmarks at night. Lighted or busy motorways and cities are much better. Waterways and coastlines can be used provided it's a moonlit, cloudless night.