Marc Lattoni wrote:
As a VFR only pilot, I thought it pointless to get a night rating due to the
potential difficulties of encountering a "black hole" and not having the
skills to get back to safety. But our flight school encourages us to
experience the beauty of night flying on clear nights.

Just wondering, how many VFR only pilots have and USE a night rating?


Night flying is one of my favorite kinds of flying. An S.F. Bay
tour at night is not to be missed, although IMHO, the best time is not
in total darkness, but in twilight while there is still enough
light to see beaches, hills, etc. And you have never seen a more
breathtaking full moon rise than one seen from 5,000 ft. It is this
incredibly deep red, because you are seeing it through about 100 miles
of atmosphere rather than the usual 2-3.

Night flying has its advantages: air is usually smoother, temperatures
are lower (advantage in the summertime, not so great in winter), traffic
is lighter, and much easier to see. Even GA aircraft can be seen
10-20 miles away.

I once flew VFR from Palo Alto, CA to Big Bear, 3 hours each way, both
ways at night. But there was a full moon, which cast a ghostly glow
on hills along I-5.

Granted, my requirements for night VFR are higher than daytime:
perfect weather (no clouds, at least at the altitutes I plan to fly),
IFR-equipped aircraft, higher fuel minimums, less tolerance for aircraft
squawks. I also try to preflight before sunset, although I chose my
current tiedown spot so that it adjacent to an airport light stand,
so even at night there is fairly good lighting.

Night VFR is a blast. Get the proper training and go try it.


Happy landings,
Ross Oliver