Night Rating
A night rating allows a pilot to fly at night exercising visual flight rules (VFR). If a pilot wishes to fly at night using instrument flight rules (IFR) they are also required to hold an instrument rating.
The night rating is non-expiring (it has lifetime validity).
The night rating can be applied for at the same time as the issue of a PPL. The applicant must have completed the night rating course requirements as an additional 5 hour course to the PPL.
A night rating for aeroplanes can be endorsed on a NPPL, LAPL, SPL or PPL, however, the applicant must hold at least a class 2 medical or have passed a colour sight test.
Training
In order to apply for a night rating you will have to complete an appropriate training course at an approved training organisation (ATO) or a declared training organisation (DTO). This course must be completed within a period of 6 months.
The training includes:
Theoretical knowledge instruction,
At least 5 hours of flight time at night, including at least 3 hours of dual instruction, including at least 1 hour of cross-country navigation with at least one dual cross-country flight of at least 50 km (27 NM) and 5 solo take-offs and 5 solo full-stop landings.
Before completing the training at night, LAPL holders shall have completed the basic instrument flight training required for the issue of the PPL.
We can conduct night rating courses at Blackpool airport between October and March, where we observe daylight saving time.