Night Flying Rules And Regulations
Training
JAR FCL-2.125(c) and 2.125 Appendix 4 specifies the requirements for the award of a night qualification (helicopters).
If intending to commence a CPL(H) it is not normally financially sensible to undertake a night qualification first as the instrument flight time will have to be flown during both night training and the CPL training.
The flight training involved in the night qualification includes
- 10 hours instrument flight
- 5 hours night flight
of which a minimum of 3 hours shall be dual
to include 5 solo circuits.
There is a requirement for a night nav, although there is no requirement for a solo night navigation exercise. Part of the navigation exercise is to be flown as SPIC (instructor remains onboard, but takes no part in the flight).
The air exercise is dealt with in detail on the Ex 28 Night Flying page.
Legislation
Flight crew license requirements for night flight are
In the Case of a PPL(H)
In The Case of CPL(H) or ATPL(H)
- ANO Section 1 Schedule 8 CPL(H) - If carrying passengers the pilot shall have completed 3 take-offs and landings in the same type of helicopter in the last 90 days 1 of which must be at night.
And Regardless of licence held
- ANO Section 1 Part IV Article 21 (2)(d) -The pilot shall be medically fit and if not Instrument Rated then 5 take-offs and landings in preceeding 13months under night conditions must have been completed.
- JAR FCL 2.026(c) For the carriage of passengers 3 night takeoffs and landings in 90 days required if not operating to JAR-OPS 3.
Example Content
ANO Section 2 Part IV 22(2) allows a choice of flight rules, which reduce at night to
Thou shalt be IFR at night outside controlled airspace.
Thou shalt be either special VFR or IFR inside controlled airspace.
Example Content
ANO Schedule 4 Table (15) Specifies Equipment to be carried for night flight.
Torches must be carried by each crew member.
Example Content
For public transport flights the ANO allows either single pilot with a servicable approved autopilot or if operating on a police AOC, two pilots without an autopilot.
ANO Section 1 Part IV 20(3)(c)(i - iii).
Example Content
ANO Part X 101 (4)(a)
Thou shalt take-off and land at night with the aid of ground based lighting if flying public transport.
Doesn't apply to Police AOC ops.
Example Content
Web References
The Air Navigation Order
FODCOM To VMC Night Public Transport Operators
Testing Required on Crews For Public Transport At Night Without IR
JAR FCL 2