Thread: Night Flying
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Old July 10th 05, 05:23 AM
Seth Masia
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I enjoy flying at night, if it's over terrain I'm familiar with, and if the
weather is clear. Over congested airspace, like California's central
valley, you can see other aircraft many miles away, and it's reassuring to
see airport beacons spotted across the landscape in all directions. Night
over mountains isn't fun unless you have plenty of altitude and can see the
airport beacon in the next valley -- within gliding range. In clear weather
it's easy to follow major highways from town to town.

Night over water is even more intimidating.

Spatial disorientation is a potential problem, and so are optical illusions.
On a long night solo, battling fatigue, I once mistook Sirius for an
oncoming landing light and took evasive action.

If you're going to make a habit of this, it's a good idea to get the
instrument rating.

Seth
Comanche N8100R