Flight at night is a magical experience. Over four thousand stars might be seen in half of the celestial sphere, not to mention the spectacular view of towns and cities from the air at night. Flight at night for the PPL holder without an IR is still visual flying, but with an increased dependency on the flight instruments.
Official night in the UK as defined as that period between 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. If the privileges of a PPL are to be exercised during this period, a night rating is required.
There are no hour’s requirements prior to commencing training for a night rating. You could commence training for a night rating immediately on completion of training for a PPL, and the issue of a night rating can be applied for at the same time as an application is made for the issue of a PPL. In practice, most people have their PPL issued first, then look to complete their night rating at the start of the next winter season following licence issue as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer.
Training for the night rating consists of 5 hours of flying at night, of which 3 hours must be dual training, and 1 hour of the 3 must be a dual cross-country flight of at least 50 km / 27nm. Five solo take offs and landings are required, and these landings must be full stop landings and not touch and gos.
There is no flight test or written exam to take at the end of the course, but there is some theoretical knowledge training involved which will cover:
Night familiarisation and preparation
Night circuits
Night navigation
Emergency scenarios at night
When issued, a night rating is valid providing your licence remains valid. The night rating never requires revalidation or renewal. However, to exercise the privilege to carry passengers at night, you need to have maintained at least 3 take offs and landings within the last 90 days, and one of those take offs and landings needs to have been at night unless a valid IR is held.
A pilot must hold a valid night rating before commencing a course of flight training for the issue of a commercial licence.
Flying at night is quite incredible in a light aeroplane and the night rating really is worth doing. Get yourself booked in ready for when the clocks go back by calling Tim on 02476 639222 or 07775 715501.