Sunset to Sunrise: Night Flight Techniques

by David Robson

Night flight is one of the most pleasant forms of flight. Every city looks good at night. The sparkling lights, stars, moon and reflections combine to produce a spectacle many only dream about. However, night flight requires different technique, perspective, and considerations than day operations. The aircraft must be flown with reference to the flight instruments, and the outside visual references take on new importance while at the same time providing different illusions. Night flight can be a test for even the most experienced pilot.

Veteran author David Robson prepares readers for the unique considerations involved with night operations with information and practical techniques
--Flying on instruments
--Weather
--Human factors, including night vision, fatigue, hypoxia, and more
--The regulations governing night operations
--Preflight preparations
--Aircraft and airport lighting
--Cross-country planning, navigating using both pilotage and dead reckoning
--Takeoffs and landings
--Emergency situations

Readers will come away equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy the night flying experience to the fullest.

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[JB · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t find any good advice in this book as I hope. Some pages were a rephrasing of information that could be found in the Airman information manual and airplane flight handbook/pilot handbook of aeronautical knowledge.

This book places big emphasis on instrument flying, which is true during night flying but to the extent of which is suggested in the book. The author recommends using enroute charts for finding information on obstructions enroute. I disagree, most and even more information about obstructions can be found on VFR sectional charts using the Maximum Elevation Figure or the individual obstacle figures provided. I do agree that an attitude indicator aids the pilot, there is no reason why a VFR pilot would need to know about timed turns.

One thing I felt that was missing is the use of the obstacle departure procedure used for instrument flying can be helpful for night VFR. It includes information about terrain and obstacles within the departure path after takeoff. Information about the feet per nautical mile is also included which is great when comparing the expected airplane performance to the ODP; you could anticipate a safe departure or takeoff with a tailwind to depart from a more favorable runway.

This book does go over the importance of moon phases especially full moon as well as over cast skies but not as greatly as I would like. I have flown during new moon or no moon as well as overcast skies. These factors greatly influence how much the terrain you can see. During New moon clear skies or even super moon nights clear skies, you can see the terrain perfectly for avoidance or during an event of force landings.

I would skip this book.

[Derrick Dubois · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book for beginners. Lots of regurgitating from the AIM or AFH