CAR 401.05(2)(b) outlines the currency requirements for your night rating:

(b) where a passenger other than a flight test examiner designated by the Minister is carried on board the aircraft, has completed, within the six months preceding the flight,

(i) in the case of an aircraft other than a glider or a balloon, in the same category and class of aircraft as the aircraft, or in a Level B, C or D simulator of the same category and class as the aircraft, at least

(B) five night take-offs and five night landings, if the flight is conducted wholly or partly by night,

In other words. If you want to maintain your night rating, you must perform 5 take-offs and landings at night within the past six months.

The last time I performed a night flight was in November. So in order to be good for another six months (and the summer!) I needed to do at least 5 take-offs and landings. So that’s what I did.

Runway 03 was in use (one of the least used runways at the airport). I was able to squeeze in 5 take-offs and landings and one overshoot (thanks to a jet landing on 33) in about 30 minutes. One such landing was with the landing light off.

One of my issues (both during the day and night) is that I start the flare too high. I usually have to end up putting a little power to slow the descent rate a bit. So last night I was practicing starting the flare lower and once I set that flare attitude, to not adjust back pressure at all and let the airplane float on down. I think I got the hang of that last night.

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4 thoughts on “Night Circuits

  1. Strange.. I have the same problem as well.. I am starting to flare too high as well these days. Need to fly the circuit to nail it back down.

  2. “In other words, if you want to maintain your night rating, you must perform 5 take-offs and landings at night within the past six months.”
    Not exactly. Your night rating is valid for the duration of your pilot license, BUT if you want to carry a passenger you will need to have performed five (solo) takeoffs and landings at night within the past six months.

  3. I believe the 5 landings need to be full stops; so, you can’t get it done with touch and goes, correct?
    (I ask because I am doing some night re-currency training this month after several years off from night flying, and will need to do this ASAP after I am signed off so I can take passengers at night again :).

    1. Hi Steve,

      The CARs state “take-offs” and “landings” (Section: 401.05(1)(2)(b)(i)(B)). If you look at section 101.1(1) You will see that the definition of landing is:

      (a) in respect of an aircraft other than an airship, the act of coming into contact with a supporting surface, and includes the acts immediately preceding and following the coming into contact with that surface, and

      So your airplane comes into contact with a supporting surface during a touch and go. So no need to do full stops. :D

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