Airworthy PrepArea XI of 11
Night Operations
3% of the Private Pilot test, about 2 of the 60 questions. The FAA's test standard lists 1 task and 8 knowledge elements and 7 risk management elements for this area. Here is every one, plus sample questions to try.
What the FAA tests
From the Private Pilot Airplane test standard, FAA-S-ACS-6C.
Task A. Night Operations
Knowledge: what you must know
- PA.XI.A.K1Physiological aspects of vision related to night flying.
- PA.XI.A.K2Lighting systems identifying airports, runways, taxiways and obstructions, as well as pilot controlled lighting.
- PA.XI.A.K3Airplane equipment and lighting requirements for night operations.
- PA.XI.A.K4Personal equipment essential for night flight.
- PA.XI.A.K5Night orientation, navigation, chart reading techniques and methods for maintaining night vision effectiveness.
- PA.XI.A.K6Night taxi operations.
- PA.XI.A.K7Interpretation of traffic position and direction based solely on position lights.
- PA.XI.A.K8Visual illusions at night.
Risk management: hazards you must be able to spot and manage
- PA.XI.A.R1Collision hazards.
- PA.XI.A.R2Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- PA.XI.A.R3Effect of visual illusions and night adaptation during all phases of night flying.
- PA.XI.A.R4Runway incursion.
- PA.XI.A.R5Night currency versus proficiency.
- PA.XI.A.R6Weather considerations specific to night operations.
- PA.XI.A.R7Inoperative equipment.
Try a sample question
Night Operations ยท PA.XI.A.K1
On a moonless night with the flight deck lights dimmed, you can pick out a dark hangar and a parked fuel truck at the edge of your view, but you cannot tell their colors or read the lettering on them. Why?
Practice all of night operations
The full course has questions on every element listed here, with an explanation and FAA source for each.