Night flying is actually really nice. It’s usually so smooth that you can’t feel the plane moving at all! It’s cool, quiet and very peaceful. When you train for your license, you will be required to do some night flying, but it’s only a few hours.

After getting your license, you may be a little nervous about flying at night. Flying at night is more risky, but if you plan properly, then it’s not a problem. Part of what makes people uncomfortable about night flying is the thought of an engine failure. It would be scary, I have to admit, but the chance of that happening is pretty slim, as long as you’re flying a well maintained airplane.

To minimize your fear you need to minimize risk. In other words, plan on the conservative side and have a plan of action in case of some kind of problem. If you know exactly what you are going to do because you thought it out ahead of time, then you won’t be so nervous. What I mean by plan on the conservative side is do your preflight planning.

Know all about the area you’re flying in, where the obstacles are at any airports you may be landing at, make sure to have enough fuel, oil, etc. Instead of flying low, fly higher so you have more gliding distance in case of a problem. Fly along a path that will take you near more airports. I straight line is nice but if you’re planning to be more conservative at night then altering your course isn’t a big deal. When landing, don’t get low! You can’t see trees until you’re right next to them. This is why preflight planning is important too.

If you’re nervous about getting lost, then go up with an instructor and practice navigating at night to get more comfortable. One last thing that may help you is to start off staying at the airport doing take offs and landings. Next time, make it a goal to leave the area, keeping the airport in sight. Just traveling 10 miles from the airport and keeping it in sight will give you more confidence. Stretch it out a little farther next time. Before you know it, you won’t have a problem flying at night anymore and you’ll be able to enjoy the sunset from the air!