electronic glide slope or visual approach slope indicator (VASI) is available, it should be used. If navigation aids (NAVAIDs) are unavailable, use the flight instruments to assist in maintaining orientation and a normal approach. Anytime position in relation to the runway or altitude is in doubt, execute a go-around. 

Bright runway and approach lighting systems, especially where few lights illuminate the surrounding terrain, may create the illusion of being lower or having less distance to the runway. In this situation, the tendency is to fly a higher approach. Also, flying over terrain with only a few lights makes the runway recede or appear farther away. With this situation, the tendency is to fly a lower-than-normal approach. If the runway has a city in the distance on higher terrain, the tendency is to fly a lower-than-normal approach. A good review of the airfield layout and boundaries before initiating any approach helps maintain a safe approach angle. 

Illusions created by runway lights result in a variety of problems. Bright lights or bold colors advance the runway, making it appear closer. Night landings are further complicated by the difficulty of judging distance and the possibility of confusing approach and runway lights. For example, when a double row of approach lights joins the boundary lights of the runway, there can be confusion where the approach lights terminate and runway lights begin. Under certain conditions, approach lights can make the aircraft seem higher in a turn to final, than when its wings are level. 

## Pilot Equipment 

Before beginning a night flight, carefully consider personal equipment that should be readily available during the flight to include a flashlight, aeronautical charts and pertinent data for the flight, and a flightdeck checklist containing procedures for the following tasks, which can be found in 14 CFR part 91: 

• Before starting engines 

• Before takeoff 

•  Cruise 

• Before landing 

• After landing 

• Stopping engines 

•  Emergencies 

At least one reliable flashlight is recommended as standard equipment on all night flights. A reliable incandescent or light-emitting diode (LED) flashlight able to produce white/ red light and blue for chart reading is preferable. The flash light should be large enough to be easily located in the event it is needed. The white light is used while performing 

the preflight visual inspection of the airplane, and the red light is used when performing cockpit operations. It is also recommended to have a spare set of batteries for the flashlight readily available. 

Since the red light is non-glaring, it will not impair night vision. Some pilots prefer two flashlights, one with a white light for preflight and the other a penlight type with a red light. The latter can be suspended by a string from around the neck to ensure the light is always readily available. One word of caution: if a red light is used for reading an aeronautical chart, the red features of the chart will not show up. 

Aeronautical charts are essential for night cross-country flight and, if the intended course is near the edge of the chart, the adjacent chart should also be available. The lights of cities and towns can be seen at surprising distances at night, and if this adjacent chart is not available to identify those landmarks, confusion could result. These checklist items are not just for night flying, they are required for day light flying also. Regardless of the equipment used, organization of the flightdeck eases the burden and enhances safety. Organize equipment and charts and place them within easy reach prior to taxiing. 

## Airplane Equipment and Lighting 

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 specifies the basic minimum airplane equipment that is required for night flight. This equipment includes only basic instruments, lights, electrical energy source, and spare fuses. 

The standard instruments required by 14 CFR part 91 for instrument flight are a valuable asset for aircraft control at night. Title 14 CFR part 91 specifies that during the period from sunset to sunrise operating aircraft are required to have a functioning anti-collision light system, including a flashing or rotating beacon and position lights. The anti-collision lights however need not be lighted when the pilot in command (PIC) determines that, because of operating conditions, it would be in the interest of safety to turn the lights off. Airplane position lights are arranged similar to those of boats and ships. A red light is positioned on the left wingtip, a green light on the right wingtip, and a white light on the tail. [Figure 10-2] 

This arrangement provides a means to determine the general direction of movement of other airplanes in flight. If both a red and green light of another aircraft are observed, and the red light is on the left and the green to the right, the airplane is flying the same direction. Care must be taken not to overtake the other aircraft and maintain clearance. If red were on the right and green to the left, the airplane could be on a collision course. 

