Flying at night can be fun, but it's even more fun if we know the pitfalls and plan accordingly. If you think that nighttime flight is the same as daytime flight -- only with less light -- then you need to read on. Some illusions only occur at night and could end your flight prematurely. Master CFI Max Trescott talks about how to make your night flight a safe one.

All pilots know the basics of night flying and much of the literature talks -- rightly so -- about the need to adapt your eyes for darkness and about the rules and regulations. Most of us can parrot back that to carry passengers at night we need to have made three takeoffs and landings, at least an hour after sunset, to a full stop within the past 90 days. But, like small children who worry about what's under the bed, do you really know what can reach out and get you on a night flight when you least suspect it?

The flight attendant should know that the risks at night are different and higher, but they can be quantified and mitigated by pilots who are cautious and well-versed in techniques for flying safely at night. But there are pitfalls -- some of which aren't adequately addressed in flight training -- that continue to claim even high-time pilots in night flying accidents.

Fly at Night ...
There are lots of great reasons to fly at night, and pilots who choose to should embrace it and learn more about it. For starters, the views can be truly spectacular. Metropolitan areas are extremely well lit, and the lights sometimes look like jewels spread over the cityscape. A truly unique example is Las Vegas, with its brightly colored lights. Metro areas are probably among the safest places to fly at night since, even on a moonless night, the bright lights from below make it easier to spot adjacent terrain and obstacles.

If you want to avoid turbulence, night (and early morning) is one of the best times to fly. Winds die down at night, which reduces mechanical turbulence, particularly over hills and terrain. Thunderstorms also tend to dissipate at night, which enhances safety in regions prone to storms.

There's also far less competing air traffic at night. Less that 5% of GA flying is done at night, so there's less competition for the airspace, and ATC will have more time to talk with you. Aircraft are also easier to spot at night, though occasionally it's harder to perceive how to avoid traffic at your altitude.

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