Pilot in Command: Tips on Mastering Night Flying

For Part I , click here.

So, you are a hotshot lowtime VFR pilot with higher aspirations and a wanna-be master of the night sky.

First off, get yourself some practical experience flying solo or with passengers as pilot in command. (click on previous link to read tips on the advisability of taking passengers)

Hire yourself continuing instruction with good mentors as I have over some 30 years. You need to learn from the best and not so best and learn to differentiate between the two. (Click here for a brief tribute on the importance of finding and utilizing excellent flight mentors.)

Read and follow the relevant FAR's (Federal Aviation Requirments) on night flying: FAR 61.57, FAR 91.205 ,FAR 91.151, FAR 91.155, FAR 91.157 and FAR 91.209 on position and anti-collision lights. (be sure to click on the above FAR link for an excellent article on night flying requirements!)

As I indicated in Part I, get to know your own body rhythms. And don't push yourself to be at a certain place at a certain time. Remember you are flying as a recreational pilot to buy yourself more pleasurable flight time

Next, if you are doing some serious night flying, invest in bilberry (tablets) which were used by World War II allied pilots-in the form of jam-since bilberry was thought to improve night vision.

Coming soon Part II: Flying Deep into the Night When you are in actuality a morning person....