There is more to it than just bringing along a white flashlight to preflight the aircraft and a flashlight with a red lens for use in the cockpit to preserve your night vision. As you prepare for the flight, consider higher weather and fuel minimums, additional required aircraft equipment, and the physiological aspects of night operations.

Visual flight rules weather minimums and cloud clearance change as day turns to night at certain altitudes in Class G airspace. For instance, at 1,200 feet or less above the surface (regardless of msl altitude), day VFR minimums are 1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds, but at night the minimums increase to 3 statute miles visibility and cloud clearances of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal.

As you review the weather to determine whether to fly, ensure you have at least the minimums required by the federal aviation regulations. Remember that FAR 91.155 basic VFR weather minimums are specific to airspace classes and altitudes. Also consider that flying on a dark, moonless night makes it difficult to see clouds or fog.

Fuel requirements are also different at night. FAR 91.151 requires a 45-minute fuel reserve for VFR flights at night, as opposed to 30 minutes for daytime flights.

Recent flight experience is next. To determine whether you meet the minimum requirements, the FARs define night as the period of time beginning one hour after sunset and ending one hour before sunrise. As pilot in command, if you operate an aircraft carrying passengers during that time period, you must have made at least three full-stop takeoffs and landings at night within the preceding 90 days. Find more details in FAR 61.57.

There are also some differences in required instruments and equipment. In addition to VFR day instrument and equipment requirements, FAR 91.205 lists the equipment needed for night VFR flying, which includes approved aircraft position lights, an approved aviation red or aviation white anticollision light system, an adequate source of electrical energy, and a spare set of fuses.

Just as important, you should refresh your knowledge about how operating an aircraft at night affects you, the pilot. There are physiological considerations and optical illusions that you should anticipate at night. Darkness can also add to your potential confusion and stress, seeing a once-familiar environment illuminated by airport lights—or not. It is your responsibility as pilot in command to be prepared for these challenges.