Night Operation

Question 1

Name the two distinct types of light-sensitive cells located in the retina of the eye.

Answer 1

Rods and cones

Question 2

What is the function of the cones, and where are they located in the eye?

Answer 2

Cones are used to detect color, detail and far-away objects and are located in the center of the retina at the back of the eye.

Question 3

What is the function of the rods, and where are they located in the eye?

Answer 3

Rods are located in the back of the eye or retina. The rods function when something is seen out of the corner of the eye or peripheral vision. They detect objects, particularly those that are moving, but do not give detail or color, only shades of gray.

Question 4

What is the average time it takes for the rods and cones to become adapted to darkness?

Answer 4

The cones will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to become adjusted to darkness. Rods take 30 minutes.

Question 5

What should the pilot do to accommodate changing light conditions?

Answer 5

The pilot should allow enough time for the eyes to become adapted to the low light levels, and then should avoid exposure to bright light.

Question 6

Give several examples of illusions related to ground lighting conditions.

Answer 6

a. On a clear night, distant stationary lights can be mistaken for stars or other aircraft.
b. A black-hole approach occurs when the landing is made from over water or non-lighted terrain where the runway lights are the only source of light.
c. Night landings can be complicated by the difficulty of judging distance and the possibility of confusing approach and runway lights.

Question 7

During takeoff you suddenly feel as if the aircraft is in an excessively high nose-up attitude. What type of illusion is this?

Answer 7

Somatogravic illusion.

Question 8

When approaching a well-lit runway surrounded by a dark area with little or no features, what illusion should a pilot be alert for?

Answer 8

Featureless terrain illusion.

Question 9

What should the pilot do to maintain good eyesight?

Answer 9

Good eyesight depends upon physical condition. Fatigue, colds, vitamin deficiency, alcohol, stimulants, smoking, or medication can seriously impair vision.

Question 10

What can the pilot do to improve the effectiveness of vision at night?

Answer 10

a. Adapt the eyes to darkness prior to flight and keep them adapted.
b. If oxygen is available, use it during night flying.
c. Close one eye when exposed to bright light.
d. Do not wear sunglasses after sunset.
e. Move the eyes more slowly than in daylight.
f. Blink the eyes if they become blurred.
g. Concentrate on seeing objects.
h. Force the eyes to view off center.
i. Maintain good physical condition.
j. Avoid smoking, drinking, and using drugs that may be harmful.

Question 11

What equipment should the pilot have for night flight operations?

Answer 11

At least one reliable flashlight is recommended as standard equipment on all night flights. A D-cell size flashlight with a white or red light. A spare set of batteries.

Question 12

What other items should the pilot have on board for night flights?

Answer 12

Pilots should have appropriate navigational charts, including any charts adjacent to the intended route of flight on board for night flight.

Question 13

Explain the arrangement and interpretation of the position lights on an aircraft.

Answer 13

A red light is on the left wing tip, a green light is located on the right wing tip and a white light is located on the tail.

Question 14

Position lights are required to be on during what period of time?

Answer 14

From sunset to sunrise.

Question 15

When an aircraft is operated in, or in close proximity to, a night operations area, what is required of an aircraft?

Answer 15

The aircraft must:

a. be clearly illuminated,
b. have lighted position lights, or
c. be in an area which is marked by obstruction lights.

Question 16

Are aircraft anti collision lights required to be on during night flight operations?

Answer 16

yes

Question 17

What are Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL)?

Answer 17

REILs are installed at many airfields to provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a particular runway.

Question 18

Describe a Runway Edge Light System.

Answer 18

Runway edge lights are used to outline the edges of runways during periods of darkness or restricted visibility conditions. They are white except on instrument runways yellow replaces white on the last 2,000 feet or half the runway length, whichever is less, to form a caution zone for landings.

Question 19

Describe a Runway Centerline Lighting System (RCLS).

Answer 19

Runway centerline lights are installed on some precision approach runways to facilitate landing under adverse visibility conditions. Located along the centerline at 50-foot intervals.

Question 20

What are Touchdown Zone Lights (TDZL)?

Answer 20

Touchdown zone lights consist of two rows of transverse light bars disposed symmetrically about the runway centerline. The system consists of steady-burning white lights which start at 100 feet beyond the landing threshold and extend to 3,000 feet beyond or to the midpoint of the runway.

Question 21

Describe several different types of taxiway lighting.

Answer 21

a. Taxiway edge lights,
b. taxiway centerline lights,
c. Clearance bar lights,
d. Runway guard lights,
e. Stop bar lights.

Question 22

What are the different types of rotating beacons used to identify airports?

Answer 22

White and green, Lighted land airport;
Green alone, Lighted land airport;
White & yellow, Lighted water airport;
Yellow alone, Lighted water airport;
Green, yellow & white, Lighted heliport;
White (dual peaked & green), Lighted military airport.

Question 23

Describe several types of obstruction lighting.

Answer 23

Aviation red obstruction lights, Medium and high intensity white obstruction lights, Dual lighting, Catenary lighting.

Question 24

How does a pilot determine the status of a light system at a particular airport?

Answer 24

The pilot needs to check the A/FD and any NOTAMs to find out about available lighting systems, intensities, and radio-controlled light system frequencies.

Question 25

How does a pilot activate a radio-controlled runway light system while airborne?

Answer 25

On arrival, key the microphone 7 times to turn the lights on and achieve maximum brightness. This is good for 15 minutes. The lights can be adjusted by 7, 5, or 3 clicks within 5 seconds.

Question 26

During preflight what things should be done to adequately prepare for the night flight.

Answer 26

Study all weather reports and forecasts. Calculate wind directions and speeds along the proposed route of flight to ensure accurate drift calculations, as night visual perception of drift is generally inaccurate. Obtain applicable aeronautical charts for both the proposed route as well as adjacent charts, and mark lighted checkpoints clearly. Review all radio navigational aids for correct frequencies and availability. Check all personal equipment. The aircraft should be thoroughly preflighted. All aircraft position lights, as well as the landing light and rotating beacon, should be checked for proper operation. Ground areas should be checked for obstructions not visible from the cockpit.

Question 27

What are some guidelines to follow during the starting, taxiing, and run-up phases of a night flight?

Answer 27

a. The pilot should exercise extra caution on “clearing” the propeller arc area.
b. During taxiing, avoid unnecessary of use of electrical equipment which would put an abnormal load on the electrical system.
c. Taxi slow and follow taxi lines.

Question 28

What are some of the guidelines to follow during takeoff and departure phases of a night flight?

Answer 28

Follow edge lights, keep a positive rate of climb, do not initiate turns until at safe altitude, turn the landing light off after climb.

Question 29

What should the pilot do to provide proper orientation and navigation during a night flight?

Answer 29

a. Exercise caution to avoid flying into clouds or a layer of fog.
b. Practice and acquire competency in straight-and-level flight, level turns, climbing and descending turns, and steep turns.
c. Practice with cockpit lights off.
d. Continually monitor position, time estimates, and fuel consumed.

Question 30

If an engine failure occurs at night, what procedures should be followed?

Answer 30

The same as during the day time. Possible landing area could be lighted or unlighted areas.

Question 31

What procedures should be followed during the approach and landing phase of a night flight?

Answer 31

The pilot should identify the airport and associated airport lighting and runway lighting. The aircraft should be flown towards the airport beacon until the runway lights are identified. A powered approach should be used because visual perception during a descent at night can be difficult. The landing light should be switched on upon entering the airport traffic area. The pilot should avoid the use of excessive speed on approach and landing.