Night VFR additional equipment
Night VFR = everything day VFR needs, plus night-only extras.
Night VFR adds (CAR 605.16), to fly without horizon and be seen:
| Item | Required when | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Position (navigation) lights and anti-collision light | Night VFR | 605.16 |
| Means of illuminating flight instruments | Night VFR | 605.16(1)(i) |
| Landing light | Only when carrying passengers | 605.16(1)(j) |
| Flashlight, readily available to each crew member | If operated at night | 602.60(1)(g) |
| Turn-and-slip indicator or turn coordinator | Night VFR | 605.16(1)(c) |
| Heading indicator (stabilized magnetic or gyroscopic direction indicator) | Only when aerodrome not visible from aircraft | 605.16(1)(f) |
| Sensitive altimeter | Always; by day only in controlled airspace, so not night-only | 605.16(1)(b) |
| Adequate source of electrical energy and spare fuses (at least 50% of each rating) | Night VFR | 605.16 |
| Means of establishing direction not dependent on a magnetic source | Within Northern Domestic Airspace (magnetic compasses unreliable there); Southern Domestic needs none | 605.16(1)(g); VFR OTT also requires it, CAR 605.15(1)(g) |
| Radar reflector, 360° reflection | Airships, in controlled airspace | 605.16(1)(h) |
Lights:
| Rule | Condition | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Position and anti-collision lights ON | Operating in the air or on the ground at night, or on water between sunset and sunrise | 605.17 |
| Anti-collision light may go off | If PIC judges it safer | 605.17 |
| No light that could be mistaken for, or dull, a navigation light | Except when operating for aerial advertising | 605.16(3) |
Why the split:
- Day: horizon does the work, panel needs only basics.
- Night: horizon lost, other traffic loses sight of you.
- Added: turn instrument, heading reference, backup electrical power, lights.
Trap: private night VFR does not require an attitude indicator or VSI; turn coordinator keeps wings level. Attitude indicator, VSI and OAT gauge only for private-operator and commercial night ops (CAR 605.16(4)).
References
- CARs 602.60
- CARs 605.15
- CARs 605.16
- CARs 605.17