In 2010/2011, as a newly qualified PPL (Private Pilot), the next logical and cheap route to an extra ticket on my licence was the Night Rating.  With only 5 hours of training required it is a quick and easy tool to learn, but will enable a pilot to hire the aircraft on the later part of the day in the winter where by not having to rush to get back to base before the sun goes down. 

The night qualification (or 5 hours of night flying) is also required before students (if they so desire) wish to progress to the Commercial Pilots Licence, or CPL.

I started in the latter part of 2010, with poor weather plaguing most attempts of flying at night (there are certain limitations and cautions to flying at night) however I covered the fundamentals including navigation and emergencies, then the clocks changed, leaving me to either complete at an airfield which was open later (always a possibility) or wait until next year.  I was in no rush, so I decided to wait until winter 2011/2012. The course consisted of carefully prepared ground school which covered all of the information I need to know about flying, a major part of the learning covered relates to Human Performance and Limitations.

Brighton Pier and the New Brighton Wheel

Finally, last week I completed my 5 full stop solo circuits (the final part to the night rating), two of which were departure and rejoins whereby I could enjoy the local aera and take a couple of photos of Brighton Pier, briefly enjoying the lights, before returning back to Shoreham for a smooth landing.

Brighton Pier

It has been known for pilots to have bad luck with weather during the winter and night flying, therefore while we're having these nice calm, cloudless evenings make the most of Shoreham Airport and let us train you for your night qualification!

Completed!