SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-special-vfr-night

What must an airplane pilot have to receive special VFR at night?

The pilot needs instrument privileges, and the airplane needs IFR equipment.

Start playing free

  1. Only a landing light
  2. Instrument privileges and IFR equipment ✔
  3. A commercial pilot certificate

Why: Night special VFR for an airplane requires the pilot to meet instrument-flight requirements. The airplane must also be equipped for IFR under section 91.205(d).

Huh, didn't know that: The daytime special VFR rule does not itself require an instrument rating.

The dad joke
Night special VFR dressed formally because it had extra requirements.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Instrument privileges and IFR equipment. Night special VFR for an airplane requires the pilot to meet instrument-flight requirements. The airplane must also be equipped for IFR under section 91.205(d).

  1. FAA Aeronautical Information Publication, ENR 1.1 General Rules www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aip_html/part2_enr_section_1.1.html
    Special VFR operations by fixed-wing aircraft are prohibited between sunset and sunrise unless the pilot is instrument rated and the aircraft is equipped for IFR flight.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesFor an airplane under special VFR, what minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance apply?Flying & DronesFlying an airplane VFR by day, how much fuel must remain after reaching your first planned landing?Flying & DronesFlying VFR at night, what minimum fuel reserve does an airplane need after the first planned landing?

That's stuff everyone should know.