Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What are the visibility and cloud clearance requirements in an airplane at night when conducting takeoffs and landings, assuming a local pattern altitude of 600 feet AGL?

1. 3 SM visibility and clear of clouds.

2. 1 SM visibility and clear of clouds if remaining within one-half mile of the airport.

3. Remain clear of clouds and fly at a speed to maintain visual separation.

4. Above the clouds with no visibility requirements.

The correct answer is: 1 SM visibility and clear of clouds if remaining within one-half mile of the airport.

The visibility and cloud clearance requirements for night flights, specifically during takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern, are governed by regulations that ensure safety and adequate visual references. When operating within one-half mile of the airport at night, a pilot is permitted to conduct operations with 1 statute mile of visibility and must remain clear of clouds. This allows pilots the ability to maintain visual reference for navigation and control without the stricter requirements that may apply if they were further away from the airport. This scenario acknowledges the unique challenges of night flying, where visibility can become more limited. By allowing a lower visibility requirement within close proximity to the airport, the regulations recognize that the pilot can use the airport's lighting and familiar landmarks for guidance. Additionally, being clear of clouds is essential because it helps maintain visual references necessary for safe operations, especially during critical phases such as takeoff and landing. The other options are less favorable or do not fully align with the regulations for night operations. For instance, maintaining 3 SM visibility would be more applicable for other flight conditions or for more distant operations from the airport. Similarly, remaining above the clouds without specified visibility does not provide the necessary visual references required for safe landing or takeoff, particularly at night when visual cues are minimal