Night Rating

The Night Rating allows pilots to fly legally and safely during night-time hours under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). It’s an important qualification for any pilot who wishes to extend their flying into evening and early morning, providing more flexibility and confidence to operate in low-light conditions. At AeroSchool, our Night Rating training program equips you with the skills to handle the unique challenges of flying at night, such as reduced visibility and spatial disorientation, all within a safe and structured training environment.

What You’ll Learn in Night Rating Training:

Night Flight Operations: You’ll learn the specific procedures for operating an aircraft at night, including pre-flight preparation, handling takeoffs, landings, and cross-country navigation in low-light conditions.
Instrument and Lighting Systems: The course covers essential knowledge of aircraft lighting systems and the use of cockpit instruments, which are critical when visual references outside the cockpit are reduced.
Visual Navigation: Flying at night requires a different approach to navigation, as many visual landmarks become less visible. You’ll develop skills in using ground lighting, navigation aids, and instruments to maintain situational awareness.
Emergency Procedures: Handling emergencies at night presents its own challenges. You’ll be trained to handle unexpected situations such as engine failures, loss of visual references, and instrument failures in night conditions.

Training Structure:

Minimum Requirements: To achieve a Night Rating, you must complete 5 hours of night flight training, including:
- 3 hours of dual instruction (with an instructor).
- 1 hour of night cross-country navigation.
- 5 solo takeoffs and full-stop landings at night.
Aircraft: Training is conducted in aircraft equipped with the appropriate lighting and instruments required for night flight. At AeroSchool, we use well-maintained, modern aircraft that provide the safety and reliability needed for night operations.
Ground School: In addition to in-flight training, ground instruction is provided via our online training package on key aspects of night flying, including the physiological effects of flying in darkness, the role of aircraft lighting, and navigating with limited visual references.

Why Consider the Night Rating?

Extended Flight Flexibility: With a Night Rating, you’re no longer limited by daylight hours, allowing you to fly in the evenings or early mornings, which can be especially useful in winter months when daylight is short.
Increased Confidence and Safety: Night flying can be disorienting for untrained pilots, but with the proper training, you’ll gain confidence in handling reduced visibility conditions, making you a safer, more capable pilot overall.
Prerequisite for Further Ratings: The Night Rating is often a stepping stone towards more advanced qualifications, such as the Instrument Rating (IR), and is a valuable addition for those working towards a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

Who is Eligible?

LAPL or PPL Holders: You must hold a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or higher to begin Night Rating training.
Medical: A valid Class 2 Medical Certificate is required to qualify for night flying.

Real-World Night Flying Experience at AeroSchool:

Training at AeroSchool provides you with the opportunity to fly in and out of international airports, giving you experience in a variety of airspace conditions. You’ll learn to manage night flights in controlled airspace, interact with air traffic control (ATC), and practice night landings in a professional environment, preparing you for real-world flying conditions.

Why Choose AeroSchool?

At AeroSchool, our Night Rating program is taught by experienced instructors who are well-versed in the unique demands of night flying. With flexible training schedules and modern aircraft, we ensure you get the hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge needed to earn your Night Rating with confidence.

For more information or to start your Night Rating training, contact AeroSchool today!