PPL(A) Night Qualification (Night Rating)
General
Sherburn Aero Club provides expert flight training for pilots who want to obtain or improve their night rating. We have a faculty of experienced flight trainers that can help you achieve this additional qualification!
Night ratings are designed to train pilots on how to navigate complex aircraft after sunset and just before dawn. Flying aircraft at night poses several challenges but with the right instructor, pilots can learn to master how to take off, navigate, and land after dark.
Night-time flights require extra attention due to low visibility which means that pilots will have to constantly rely on the onboard instruments to fly their aircraft safely!
In general, a Private Pilot License (PPL) is a prerequisite for obtaining a night rating and in order to pass this qualification pilots will need to complete a minimum of 5 hours of flight training. This also includes a minimum of 3 hours with dual instructions and at least 1 hour of solo flight training.
Applicants are required to complete a training course within a period of up to 6 months at a Declared Training Organisation or at an Approved Training Organisation to exercise the privileges of a Light Aircraft Private License or a PPL for aeroplanes or Touring Motor Gliders (TMG) under the Visual Flight Rules at night
Please note that applicants that hold both a single-engine piston a Touring Motor Glider class rating will be able to complete the training in just one or both classes.
Credits
To obtain the required credit for Night Rating, pilots will have to fulfil all the training requirements mentioned above. It is important to note that every training activity goes towards building credit, this includes flight time as well as simulator time.
Applicants for a night rating for aeroplanes or Touring Motor Gliders will obtain full credit if they hold a Touring Motor Glider night rating as per the SFCL.210 of Part-SFCL.
Pre-Course Entry Requirements
As per the Civil Aviation Authority, a valid PPL or LAPL is a pre-requisite for training at night and all pilots are expected to complete their minimum training requirements to obtain a PPL or LAPL.
Flight Training
The flight training course provided in AMC1 FCL.810(a), comprises at least 5 hours of flight time in the appropriate aircraft category at night. This includes the following criteria:
- A minimum of 3 hours of dual instruction, including at least 1 hour of cross-country navigation with at least 1 dual cross-country flight of at least 50 km (27 nm)
- And, at least 5 solo take-offs and 5 solo full-stop landings.
Theoretical Knowledge Training
Night training is similar to regular flight training in many ways but it also includes an extra set of topics that all pilots will be required to master. The theoretical knowledge syllabus is given in AMC1 FCL.810(a) which covers the following topics:
- Night VMC minima
- Rules about airspace control at night and facilities available
- Rules about aerodrome ground, runway, and obstruction lighting
- Aircraft navigation lights and collision avoidance rules
- Physiological aspects of night vision and orientation
- Dangers of disorientation at night
- Dangers of weather deterioration at night
- Instrument systems or functions and errors
- Instrument lighting and emergency cockpit lighting systems
- Map marking for use under cockpit lighting
- Practical navigation principles
- Radio navigation principles
- Planning and use of safety altitude
- Danger from icing conditions, as well as from avoidance and escape manoeuvres
These theoretical topics are integrated with flight training so that pilots can maximize their learning when training to fly at night.
Skill Test
In the context of night training, there is no test or examination at the end of the training course.
UK CAA Communication - Safety Directive, Safety Notice, Information Notice, Skywise
Privileges
Night rating gives pilots the privilege to fly as Pilot in Command of an aircraft at night!
Carriage of Passengers
In order to fly with passengers, pilots will need to meet the requirements of Flight Crew Licensing or hold a valid Instrument Rating.
Revalidation/Renewal
There are no revalidation/renewal requirements for night training.
References
AOPA Night Flying Syllabus
Night Flying Manual and Syllabus by R D Campbell
Air Pilots Manual Book 5 by Trevor Thom
CAP 804
Regulation 2018/1139 AMC and GM
Air Navigation Order (ANO)