Overview

The aim of the VFR night rating training is to train the applicant to a level of competence that will allow him to independently and safely fly an aircraft in flight conditions while maintaining the ground visibility at night (VMC - Visual meteorological conditions).

The VFR Night rating course is split into a theoretical and actual flight training. By attending this short flight training course you will become a holder of an EASA VFR Night Rating which is valid permanently and endorsed in your pilot's license. The VFR Night rating is also one of the mandatory qualifications required to become a professional pilot. The VFR Night Rating is an excellent way to expand your piloting capabilities, especially if you plan to fly for personal or recreational purposes beyond daylight hours. It is a relatively straightforward addition to your pilot licence, but it significantly enhances your flying experience and safety at night.

The training is straig-forward and usually takes 1 up to 2 days in total.

Prerequisites

To be enrolled in the VFR Night trianing course you have to be holder of a private pilot license - PPL(A). If you are a holder of a LAPL(A), you have to meet FCL.810(a)(2) and (3) requirements. This means - before completing the Night Rating training as a LAPL(A) holder you have to complete the basic instrument flight training required for the issue of the PPL(A). Therefore we strongly recommend to become a PPL(A) holder before being enrolled into the VFR Night rating training course.

In addition - before being enrolled into the Night Rating training course you need to be holder of either Medical certificate Class 1 or alternatively Class 2 with color vision assessment.

Theory

The VFR Night ground training - or so-called Night Rating ground school consists of the long briefing which is usually provided just before the flying part or the VFR Night training course. Theory is provided by instructor just before the course.

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; and
danger from icing conditions, as well as from avoidance and escape manoeuvres.

Flight Training

In accordance with FCL.810(a)(1)(ii) - the flying part of the Night Rating consists of at least 5 hours of flight time in the aeroplane at night. The Night flight training includes at least:

3 hours of dual instruction consists of
- review of basic instrument flying
- take-offs, landings on runway in night
- various simulated emergencies
- 1 hour of cross-country navigation flight of at least 50 km (27 NM)
5 solo take-offs and 5 solo full-stop landings

Single or Multi

The VFR Night training can be attended in either single-engine or multi-engine aeroplane. If you are a holder of both a single-engine piston aeroplane (land) so-called SEP(land) class rating and a TMG class rating, you may complete the Night Rating training in either class or both classes - as you prefer.

Read more about the single vz multi comparison in VFR Night.

There is no skill test with flight examiner. The VFR Night rating is endorsed into your licence by the state of your licence issue.

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