Night VFR flying season - be careful out there.

[A le Ron]

Night flying

I must admit, I have only really found my night rating useful since I have had an IMC rating. Before that, it was not really usable except for local trips in perfect conditions, and even then I lacked the confidence to do much with it.

[Dave Wilson]

I did my night and IMC at the same time. Personally I wouldn't have considered a night rating on its own.

[turbulentmonkey]

Why not? Having the night restriction removed from your license is very useful on it's own/without an IMC rating. Yes, an IMC rating is obviously advantageous but it's not required to fly after sunset. Flying at night is a 'blend' of instruments and visual cues - this is taught during the PPL course, night training and learned through experience. I've had some great night flights since having the restriction removed and I've always felt safe and confident in my abilities.

I agree that without an IMC rating/IR and good weather you shouldn't fly at night but the same can be said for flying during the day. It all comes down the the pilots decision-making abilities and whether they feel safe and competent.

With regards to the people missing in Idaho, hopes and prayers are with them.

[Dave Wilson]

Valid points TM but I just wouldn't have felt comfortable flying at night without one. My money, my call. Can't say I actually enjoy it TBH. The actual night flying is always a pleasure, it's the refuelling in the dark and putting the thing away in the dark that are a pain. Fine if you have lighting but I/we don't and it's as black as coal once you shut down.

[turbulentmonkey]

I agree with that Dave! The pre-flight is never fun in complete darkness either. It helps to have a well lit area for doing it but that's usually not the case.

I recently had a landing light fail on me mid-flight at night. To top it off my internal bulb decided to blow too. So I was approaching the field with a torch on my instruments and no light shining on the numbers as I got close to the ground. It was a challenge but the aircraft will still fly perfectly well without lights. This sort of stuff isn't something to be scared/worried about, it's just one of they things.

I personally love flying at night and I've had some of my best flying experiences under the cover of darkness. Perhaps it's because the radio is quiet or I don't have to wait/hold anywhere (usually). Or maybe it's the beauty of it all. I'll never forget my first experience of night flight though. It was on the 4th of November with plenty of fireworks to look down on. We also had a large group of Chinese lanterns floating past together. Great stuff

[Dave Wilson]

I appreciate the quietness of the radio as well plus the air is usually ultra smooth. Mind you I like flying first thing in the morning just as dawn is breaking, that has a quality all to itself as well.

[Desert185]

No longer a TFR and the lights are out at house. Looks like they called it quits looking for the Bo. With the big trees and the recent snow, they'll almost be impossible to find until the spring snow melt.