Night Flying

Start with a discussion of night flying, including the various challenges and illusions presented to the pilot. This will include illusions on takeoff, in flight, and on landing, as all have their specific issues at night.

Discuss various FAA regulations pertaining to flight at night, and the fact that VFR at night is rarely permitted in other countries. Regulations logging of night operations, including the three ways that the FAA defines "night", as well as currency requirements.

The student will perform all operations after sunset. This includes preflight, taxi/run-up, takeoff, and landing. Upon takeoff we will go to the practice area and gain familiarity with simply flying and maneuvering at night. We will attempt to spot and recognize various airport beacons, then return to TTA to practice night landings. The ACS requires 10 full-stop landings, and the bulk of them will be done during this first night flight. (The remainder will be performed during the dual night cross-country.)