10.11. Night VFR Night VFR flight uses a combination of instrument and visual references and procedures. The degree of darkness and horizon clarity determine the ratio of attention given to flight instruments and outside references. On bright moonlit nights, it may be possible to fly visually with only occasional glances at the instruments to confirm visual references. On dark nights, with little or no horizon, the instruments are the primary reference, and available visual references are used to cross-check aircraft position. After takeoff, pilots can gradually transition from instruments to outside references when above 500 feet AGL.

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10.11.1. Reduced ability to see at night creates other hazards. Clouds can be difficult or even impossible to see. Flying into a cloud at night can be surprising and very disorienting. After inadvertent flight into clouds at night, pilots should quickly transition to instruments to minimize disorientation. If strobes cause disorientation when in the weather, it is acceptable to turn them off.

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10.11.2. During darkness, an unlit landmark may be difficult or impossible to see. Lighted landmarks can be confusing because of optical illusions; large cities can often be recognized by their shapes. Many small towns are dark at night and make poor references. Highways are usually discernible at night due to automobile headlights and airfield rotating beacons, which can be seen up to 100 miles away, make useful visual navigation points.

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