On Mar 20, 8:48 am, Dudley Henriques wrote:

I agree. I never performed a night checkout that didn't include my
covering this exact scenario with a pilot. It's one of the "problem
scenarios" for the Private Pilot who flies a lot during the daytime VFR
going into night flying.

--
Dudley Henriques

Back in October I was flying the V tail on a short repositioning
flight (40 nm) an on arrival I flew a circling approach to the only
manageable runway -- 14 which is basically the extra runway with no
PAPI, no REILS, poor condition markings, and a relatively short
runway.

There was a light overcast and no moon. There are no houses or roads
near the 14 approach, and the go around requires an immediate turn to
avoid flying straight into the ridge.

The pucker factor was high, and I remember repeating to myself "Fly
the airplane, and don't descend until you know you can glide directly
to the touchdown point."

Winds were rough and there was an easterly mountain rotor effect
giving me constant uncommanded rolls 30 degrees plus either direction.

On short final I had to tell myself repeatedly "Don't descend until
you see the numbers!"

Touchdown was gentle, but I had to open the vent window while still
rolling.

In rough conditions -- especially at night -- the temptation to "just
get it down" can be very strong. I can even empathize with the low
time or non proficient pilot being overwhelmed when all the variables
collide into one scary series of events.

I'm confident but wary at night. I spent many hours behind a set of
night vision devices during the Army's "we own the night" training
push, but that was in a Tank. A tree was just a bump.

Not so in an airplane.


Dan Mc