@LouisIngenthron I'm tempted to ask what's wrong with you Sir
@avia@mu.zaitcev.nu @LouisIngenthron@qoto.org i'm surprised you could do that without getting your ifr lmao
@shibao @LouisIngenthron
Certainly, flying at night is a little different. For example, an emergency landing carries a greater risk. You must also manage your light. In the past it was all about not getting blinded by your flashlight when looking at your sectional, while now it's about not getting blinded by your cellphone's backlight. But beyond that, it's not that big a deal. It is made a requirement for Private candidates specifically so they don't have to learn the ropes when they're not prepared.
Personally, I observe two simple rules:
1. Don't fly when there's any cloud cover. Has to be clear. A slight high altitude layer is acceptable, but no more than that.
The reason for this rule is that it's extremely easy to fly into a cloud at night unexpectedly. A VFR pilot cannot accept that risk.
2. Do not fly during new moon or when Moon is below horizon.
Away from major cities, the ground lights can create dangerous illusions when alone.
But with a strict adherence to these 2 rules, night VFR is not something to fear in particular. I flew around Mt. Taylor at night when I was a student and landed at Milan, which is in a valley. In a flat state like Florida it's nothingburger (although I dunno if they ever have clear skies in Florida).
Certainly, flying at night is a little different. For example, an emergency landing carries a greater risk. You must also manage your light. In the past it was all about not getting blinded by your flashlight when looking at your sectional, while now it's about not getting blinded by your cellphone's backlight. But beyond that, it's not that big a deal. It is made a requirement for Private candidates specifically so they don't have to learn the ropes when they're not prepared.
Personally, I observe two simple rules:
1. Don't fly when there's any cloud cover. Has to be clear. A slight high altitude layer is acceptable, but no more than that.
The reason for this rule is that it's extremely easy to fly into a cloud at night unexpectedly. A VFR pilot cannot accept that risk.
2. Do not fly during new moon or when Moon is below horizon.
Away from major cities, the ground lights can create dangerous illusions when alone.
But with a strict adherence to these 2 rules, night VFR is not something to fear in particular. I flew around Mt. Taylor at night when I was a student and landed at Milan, which is in a valley. In a flat state like Florida it's nothingburger (although I dunno if they ever have clear skies in Florida).
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@avia @shibao We don't often have clear skies, but last night the ceiling was high and visibility was >10sm, so pretty good.
Really, the biggest concern I had is that Florida is *covered* in small lakes. So, whenever you're trying to keep an eye out for potential emergency landing sites at night, you're always wondering "is that big dark area a field or a lake?"
