Question about Commercial and Solo Night Requirements

[BrianNC]

I am working on my commercial and still do not have my long solo x-cntry or night solo with night TO and Landings at a controlled airport. It's been a long time since I have flown at night (several years), so this is the question.

I would like to save money and kill two birds with one stone. If I do the long solo x-cntry at night, then I can fulfill both requirements at once, and save several hundred dollars. If I did say an hour or so of night landings with an instructor, do you think that would be enough to take off on the solo x-cntry at night? Or would you just recommend do it in the day and fulfill the night requirements separately? The night landings are the only thing I am really concerned about, being out of practice for that.

[meritflyer]

Originally Posted by BrianNC

I am working on my commercial and still do not have my long solo x-cntry or night solo with night TO and Landings at a controlled airport. It's been a long time since I have flown at night (several years), so this is the question.

I would like to save money and kill two birds with one stone. If I do the long solo x-cntry at night, then I can fulfill both requirements at once, and save several hundred dollars. If I did say an hour or so of night landings with an instructor, do you think that would be enough to take off on the solo x-cntry at night? Or would you just recommend do it in the day and fulfill the night requirements separately? The night landings are the only thing I am really concerned about, being out of practice for that.

Thats a tough question. Nobody can decide whether you're ready for flying at night and the unique challenges that come along with it except you. Go out with your CFI and if you feel ready and confident that you can deal with cross winds, landing illusions, ect, I'd say go for it.

Its often when a CFI thinks a student is ready but the student lacks the confidence to perform a task solo. I firmly believe that if you think you're ready to rock, rock out and have some fun.

[BrianNC]

Might be a good idea to do that hour or so with an instructor doing landings and see how confident I am about it.

[meritflyer]

That'd be smart, IMO. Landings and flying at night has some very unique challenges. Make sure you feel good about everything before you blast off.

Once you do feel good about it, have a hell of a time!

[PanJet]

Heck I'd do it in a heartbeat if the opportunity presented itself, but then again I love night flying, and I was quite comfortable with it by the time I did my long solo XC. You have to be very careful though, especially if you're going somewhere you've never been before and are unfamiliar with the airport, terrain, etc. Night flying is not a joke, but it's not something to be afraid of either. Biggest thing I'd be worried about it getting fatigued on such a long trip at night like that by myself.

[BrianNC]

I don't think fatigue would be a problem as it gets dark around 5 or 6 in the fall/winter, and the flight shouldn't take any more than about 4-5 hours. The think is I don't fly very often, so it is a matter of being comfortable.

I am instrument rated, so would you recommend for the unfamiliar airports using the approach charts for altitudes for obstacle clearance, etc.? Or maybe even just flying the approach even though VFR?

[vabantha]

Originally Posted by BrianNC

I don't think fatigue would be a problem as it gets dark around 5 or 6 in the fall/winter, and the flight shouldn't take any more than about 4-5 hours. The think is I don't fly very often, so it is a matter of being comfortable.

I am instrument rated, so would you recommend for the unfamiliar airports using the approach charts for altitudes for obstacle clearance, etc.? Or maybe even just flying the approach even though VFR?

I filled both requirements at night and saved some money. However, I did my commercial multi first, so I was able to have an instructor in the plane and log it as acting PIC instead of needing solo time. Also, filing an instrument flight plan for it is helpful. The FAR's just say it has to be VFR conditions. Good luck.

[BrianNC]

Originally Posted by vabantha

I filled both requirements at night and saved some money. However, I did my commercial multi first, so I was able to have an instructor in the plane and log it as acting PIC instead of needing solo time. Also, filing an instrument flight plan for it is helpful. The FAR's just say it has to be VFR conditions. Good luck.

I had thought about that as going from the multi-commercial side I would fulfill the requirements and not have to have any night solo, as it would all be done with an instructor. But I am so close from the single side, it would cost me a lot more money to go with the multi side. If I had the money though, I would probably do it that way.

[meritflyer]

I always fly the ODP or DP out of an airport at night, even if I am VFR. Its a safe(r) bet. It also, wouldnt be a bad idea to fly the IAP. I often do this also (and teach it) when flying into unfamiliar airports at night.

[PanJet]

Originally Posted by BrianNC

I am instrument rated, so would you recommend for the unfamiliar airports using the approach charts for altitudes for obstacle clearance, etc.? Or maybe even just flying the approach even though VFR?

Absolutely. Flying IFR routes and approach profiles while VFR is probably the single best way to keep clear of terrain while flying at night. Great for any pilot.