Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare to excel in your Certified Flight Instructor exam with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Master the knowledge you need for success and achieve your certification with confidence!

Practice this question and more.

If an aircraft is not equipped for night flight and official sunset is 1730 EST, the latest a pilot may operate that aircraft without violating regulations is?

1629 EST.
1729 EST.
1829 EST.
1800 EST.

The correct answer is: 1729 EST.

The correct answer is based on the regulations governing flight operations for aircraft that are not equipped for night flying. According to FAA regulations, a pilot may not operate an aircraft at night unless it is equipped for such operation. Night is defined as the time between the end of civil twilight and the beginning of civil twilight the following day. Civil twilight ends when the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon. Official sunset, which is stated as 1730 EST, marks the beginning of night. Therefore, the latest time a pilot could operate an unqualified aircraft would be just before sunset, which is one minute before 1730 EST. This means the last allowable time for operation without violating regulations would be 1729 EST. By deciding the last moment one could operate without equipment for night flying, pilots ensure compliance with safety regulations, reflecting the importance of understanding both the limitations of their aircraft and the operational standards set by aviation governing bodies.