TECHNIQUE
Pre-flight checks…
somewhat dimmer than the surrounding town and city lighting, so do be prepared to search for a while. Circuits can be more demanding as the airfield disappears into the darkness when downwind. In visual conditions where the runway lighting is difficult to see, you might be able to ask the controller to increase the intensity of the lighting. I’ve also had occasions where I’ve asked for it to be turned down because it had been too bright.
CHALLENGES At night, the vertical profile can be more difficult to assess by runway aspect alone, with visual slope guidance often being provided. Under the guidance of an instructor, part of the flight training includes landing without aids such as VASIs and PAPIs.
Although new pilots might be a little apprehensive about the challenges night flying presents, it’s enjoyable and rewarding – and not as difficult as you might think. Flight training includes a mixture of instrument and visual flying skills over a relatively short course. For those fearful of examinations (and examiners!), there’s a syllabus of ground and flight training to complete, yet there are no theoretical or practical examinations to pass at the end of the course to obtain the Night Rating.
Training for it consists of just five hours’ flying with a Flight Instructor at a Registered Facility or Approved Training Organisation. Before commencing training, UK NPPL(A) and LAPL(A) holders must have completed the basic instrument flight training required for the issue of the PPL. The course includes a minimum of three hours dual instruction training in operations at night, navigation, visual circuits and dealing with emergencies. Dual navigation training must be at least one hour of training, with at least one cross- country flight of 50km (27nm) or more. Solo training includes at least five solo take-offs and five full-stop landings. Unlike a SEP Class Rating, a Night
Rating doesn’t have an expiry date, so if you don’t manage to do any night flying during the year you’d do well to regain proficiency with an instructor before acting as PIC next winter – but there are no further tests or checks. To carry passengers at night, you must hold a Night Rating and have completed three take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days including one take-off and landing at night. Holders of an Instrument Rating are exempt the night recency requirement. With or without a Night Rating there are a number of additional planning considerations when flying in the winter months. Following a delayed instructional sortie I recently landed back at a farmstrip
…take on a new meaning
rather later than planned, and was reminded of the fact that deteriorating light conditions can be difficult to judge from altitude and occur somewhat quicker in the winter months. Reducing visual definition or resolution, cars with their headlights on and street lighting, are all good clues as to the lighting levels at ground level. Following a number of amendments to the Air Navigation Order, there have been some exciting developments in the UK. NPPL holders can now add the Night Rating to their licence. Congratulations must go to Ian Bryant and Steve Boxall who obtained the first UK gyrocopter Night Ratings.
Overall, obtaining a Night Rating is a great way to develop and expand skills, and provides an amazing flying experience while improving on the usability and utility of your licence. For those who already hold a Night Rating, keeping it current is a gratifying way to maintain your flying proficiency through these darker winter months.
Jon Cooke is Head of Training and Pilot Coaching Scheme chairman for the Light Aircraft Association. He is a commercial pilot on the Boeing 747-400, having flown and instructed on a wide variety of vintage and modern aircraft. Jon specialises in instructor and examiner training with On- Track Aviation based at Wellesbourne.
SUMMER 2019 CLUED UP 31
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