Night Rating

EASA Night Rating (NR) allows pilots to fly during night time in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), thereby extending the privileges of their Private Pilot License (PPL) to include flying after sunset under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). 

 The theoretical portion of the course includes 5 hours of instruction with an instructor. The course itself comprises interactive lessons that employ modern study materials and equipment, accessible through our eLearning System (LMS). 

 Flight training for the Night Rating - EASA NR(A) is conducted using a single engine piston (SEP) aircraft, adhering to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) during night time hours. The training involves a minimum of 5 hours of practical instruction. 

 The practical training for the Night Rating - EASA NR(A) involves 4 hours of dual flights with an instructor. These local night flights will focus on reviewing basic manoeuvres, emergency procedures, as well as take-off and landing procedures.  1 hour of solo flight: local solo night flight under supervision of the flight instructor on the ground including 5 take-offs and 5 landings 

The Night Rating enables pilots to fly an aircraft at night using Visual Flight Rules (VFR), and a pilot with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) must have an Instrument Rating to operate at night. This rating does not expire and can be obtained at the same time as a Private Pilot License (PPL). A Class 2 Medical certificate is the minimum requirement.

Course Requirements:

Candidates must complete an appropriate training course at an approved training provider (ATO) or a designated training provider (DTO) within 6 months of commencing. Candidates must have completed a PPL or be in the process of obtaining one.

Course Structure & Completion:

Candidates must receive theoretical knowledge instruction and complete at least 5 hours of flight time at night, including at least 3 hours of dual instruction. Additionally, candidates must complete 1 hour of cross-country navigation, including a dual cross-country flight of at least 50 km (27 NM), as well as 5 solo take-offs and 5 solo full-stop landings. LAPL holders must complete basic instrument training as part of the PPL.

What to Look for in a Training Provider:

Candidates should ensure that the provider is EASA CAA Registered, and the aircraft is well-maintained, serviceable, and available. Qualified instructors should be available, and reviews from past students should be considered. Comparing costs between schools is recommended to find a suitable budget. Additionally, student support should be available to ensure a smooth progression throughout the course, and transparency on prices and packages, including instructor fees, landing fees, and fuel should be provided.

Equipment:

Candidates should have theoretical knowledge books, a headset, red-light head torch, stationary, including chart-pens, chart-ruler, protractor, and compass, CRP-5, DP-1 ruler, flight bag, kneeboard, and calculator. A hi-visibility jacket, fuel drainer, and small torch should also be included.

Tips & Advice:

Wearing a Red-Light head torch is essential to view charts and "plogs" in the cockpit at night. Following the PAPIs strictly and knowing the runway lighting markings is important, as there are fewer visual cues at night. Maintaining a good lookout at all times is critical, especially around built-up areas, as the lights often correspond to the shape of the areas on the chart. Planning diversions in advance is recommended in case of emergencies or not being able to return to the departure or intended airfield. Candidates should be aware of optical illusions that may occur at night, such as Autokinesis, Reverse Autokinesis, and Black-Hole Illusion. Looking to the side of the intended object may provide a clearer image at night. Sometimes, switching the landing lights off in the air may give better visibility, especially in hazy conditions.

Common Mistakes:

Strobe lights should not be turned on until at the holding point to avoid dazzling other aircraft in the manoeuvring areas. Not adhering to the correct profile on approach can cause overshooting or undershooting the touchdown zone. Forgetting torches, particularly the red-light torch, and not conducting proper pre-flight checks are common mistakes at night.

Next Steps:

Hour building towards a CPL, ATPL Theory Ground school and Exams, Instrument Rating (Multi/Single Engine), Multi Engine Piston Rating, Commercial Pilots License, AUPRT, MCC/AP MCC, and airlines/companies are the next steps.