Can small aircraft fly VFR at night or is night flight all IFR?

Answer 1

You can fly VFR at night in a small aircraft.

You have to have a night rating and be current (although in Canada, you only need currency to carry passengers). Also the aircraft has to be equipped with the right lights and instruments.

Flying over lighted areas is pretty easy but flying over moutains and wilderness at night requires IFR-like discipline regarding minimum altitudes and the use of ground-based navaids to ensure your postiion.

Answer 2

For the US, Small aircraft can fly VFR at night unless their medical has a night restriction. It is required by FAR part 61 in private pilot training, however FAR part 61 allows pilots receiving flight training in Alaska to take the private pilot checkride without receiving night flight training. In the end the medical would mention something along the lines of "night flight prohibited"

Answer 3

Legally, you can fly VFR at night. HOWEVER, if you are going to fly in an area where there are no lights (down there) you will need an IFR skills and equipment to navigate. Also, horizon is difficult to distinguish from long street that is lit up. You'll need to depend more on your equipment. Be sure you skill is up to the task.

Answer 4

VFR or IFR depends upon the ceiling and vis, just as daytime. Night VFR is pretty common -- and you need a couple of hours of it to get your PPL.

Answer 5

You sure can VFR night flight is actually required to get your private pilots license. Here is neat brochure from the FAA which describes VFR night flight: http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/pilot_risk/media/4.0%20Night%20VFR.pdf

Around me on a nice clear night it is great flying especially when you head north a bit and see the bright lights of Boston!!!!

Answer 6

Yes, The VFR the visibilty restrictions change.
there is a night currecy requirement for passengers
those green and white beacons at small airports can be hard to see, and some airport lighting must be radio activated.

Answer 7

Yes you can fly VFR at night.

Answer 8

You can fly VFR at night in the US. You have to have so many take offs and landings at night every so often before you can take passengers at night.

Answer 9

Certainly!! In fact, part of the private pilot's license requirements (see FAR part 61) in the US is that the student pilot fly three hours at night.

Answer 10

Night flight is IFR only.