Airman Certification Standards
ACS PH.IX.A
Night Operations
Knowledge
Physiological aspects of vision related to night flying.
Personal equipment essential for night flight.
Helicopter equipment and lighting requirements for night operations.
Lighting systems identifying airports/heliports/helipads/landing areas, runways, taxiways and obstructions, as well as pilot controlled lighting.
Night orientation, navigation, chart reading techniques and methods for maintaining night vision effectiveness.
Night taxi operations.
Interpretation of traffic position and direction based solely on position lights.
Visual illusions at night.
Appropriate use of automation, if applicable.
Risk Management
Collision hazards.
Runway incursion.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Effect of visual illusions and night adaptation during all phases of night flying.
Night currency versus proficiency.
Weather considerations specific to night operations.
Inoperative equipment.
Skill
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Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.