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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-night-towered

The commercial solo block includes night VFR with 10 takeoffs and landings. Where must they happen?

An airport with an operating control tower, with each landing involving a traffic pattern flight.

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  1. At an uncontrolled airport with a lit runway
  2. At any airport more than 25 nautical miles away
  3. At an airport with an operating control tower ✔

Why: The 10 hours of solo or PIC time include 5 hours of night VFR. During that time the pilot makes 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at an airport with an operating control tower, each landing in the traffic pattern.

Huh, didn't know that: Helicopter applicants also need 10 night takeoffs and landings, but their rule does not require a towered airport.

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What kind of chocolate do they sell at the airport? Plane chocolate.
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References

Answer: At an airport with an operating control tower. The 10 hours of solo or PIC time include 5 hours of night VFR. During that time the pilot makes 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at an airport with an operating control tower, each landing in the traffic pattern.

  1. 14 CFR 61.129 Aeronautical experience (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/api/renderer/v1/content/enhanced/current/title-14?part=61&section=61.129
    5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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