Is there a written exam for the Night Rating?

No. There is no formal written theoretical knowledge examination. The necessary theoretical knowledge, covering meteorology, human factors, and lighting, is delivered through integrated briefings before your practical night flying lessons.

How many hours is the Night Rating course?

The minimum mandatory training requirement set by the CAA is five hours of flight time in aeroplanes during the night. This must include three hours of dual instruction, one hour of dual cross-country navigation, and five solo take-offs and five solo full-stop landings.

What is 'Night' defined as for the purposes of the rating?

For aviation purposes in the UK, 'Night' is legally defined as the time between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. All training flights must occur wholly within this period to count towards the Night Rating minimum hours.

Can I start the Night Rating before I finish my PPL?

Yes, with certain limitations. You must have already completed the PPL theoretical knowledge examinations and hold a valid Student Pilot Licence. However, the privileges of the Night Rating cannot be exercised until your full PPL has been issued and the Night Rating privilege has been formally added to it.

Does the Night Rating expire?

No. Once the Private Pilot Night Qualification is endorsed on your PPL, it is valid for life, provided you maintain the validity of your underlying Private Pilot Licence and medical certificate. However, to fly with passengers at night, the standard 90-day recency rule applies, but at least one take-off and landing must have been completed at night.

Do I need an instrument rating to fly IFR at night after getting the Night Rating?

Yes. The PPL Night Rating only authorises you to fly under Night VFR (Visual Flight Rules). To fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at night, you must hold a separate Instrument Rating (IR) or En-Route Instrument Rating (EIR).

UK PPL Night Rating Course: Your Essential Guide

PPL Club
Oct 11
5 min read

Updated: Nov 16

The world looks dramatically different from the air once the sun goes down. For the General Aviation pilot, obtaining the UK Night Rating is not just about gaining a qualification; it is about unlocking the true flexibility of your Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), expanding your operational window, and becoming a safer, more proficient aviator.

The skills required for night flying differ fundamentally from day VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations. They demand enhanced discipline, superior instrument scanning, and a heightened awareness of visual illusions. This guide, created for aspiring and current UK GA pilots, provides a structured and definitive breakdown of the UK Night Rating Course, covering the regulatory requirements, essential training components, and practical considerations to ensure your success.

Content What is the UK Night Rating and Why is it Essential? Regulatory Requirements and Prerequisites (CAA Part-FCL) Breakdown of the Minimum Flight Training Requirements

The Night Rating Syllabus: Ground School and Theoretical Knowledge Mastering the Differences: Night vs. Day Flying Completing the Course and Obtaining Your Endorsement FAQ: UK Night Rating Course

1.What is the UK Night Rating and Why is it Essential?

The Night Rating is an endorsement added to your Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) which permits you to fly as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) at night under VFR.

Defining 'Night' in the UK

The privilege you gain is to fly during the official hours of ‘night’, which, in the UK and under CAA rules, is defined as the time period from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

The Three Essential Benefits for UK Pilots

1. Operational Flexibility: As a UK PPL holder, your flying hours are otherwise strictly confined to the daylight hours. The Night Rating removes this constraint.

2. Safety and Proficiency: The training focuses heavily on instrument flying and precise control—skills that are invaluable when inadvertently entering poor weather or dealing with an emergency.

3. Pathway to Advanced Ratings: The Night Rating is a mandatory prerequisite for other advanced qualifications, such as the Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) and the Instrument Rating (IR).

2. Regulatory Requirements and Prerequisites (CAA Part-FCL)

The UK Night Rating is governed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and follows the specifications laid out in Part-FCL (Flight Crew Licensing), specifically FCL.810. The training must be completed at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) or a Declared Training Organisation (DTO).

Pre-Course Entry Requirements

Before you can begin your practical Night Rating Course, you must meet the following criteria:

• Licence: You must hold at least a valid UK PPL(A).

• Medical: You must hold a valid Class 1 or Class 2 Medical Certificate with no restrictions related to colour blindness.

Crucial Time Constraint: The 6-Month Rule

The entire course, from the first flight to the final certificate, must be completed within a period of six months.

3. Breakdown of the Minimum Flight Training Requirements

The UK Night Rating Course is a highly structured, minimum 5-hour flight training programme focused entirely on practical flying at night. There is no formal skills test at the end.

UK Night Rating 5-Hour Course Breakdown. — CC-BY-ND (Attribution NoDerivatives) - PPL Club. UK Night Rating *5-Hour Course Breakdown.*

4. The Night Rating Syllabus: Ground School and Theoretical Knowledge

While there is no separate theoretical knowledge exam for the Night Rating, comprehensive ground instruction is an essential and integrated part of the course.

Core Ground School Topics

Your instructor will brief you extensively on the following areas:

Human Factors and Physiology:

• Dark Adaptation: Techniques to maintain night vision (e.g., using red light).

• Visual Illusions: The risks of spatial disorientation, autokinesis, and the black hole approach.

Aircraft and Aerodrome Lighting:

• Comprehensive knowledge of mandatory aircraft lighting and the aerodrome lighting system, including PAPI/VASIS systems.

Pre-Flight Planning and Documentation:

• Specific pre-flight checks, fuel planning considerations, and checking relevant NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen).

Weather and Emergencies:

• The danger of icing conditions at night and managing engine failure, emphasising a disciplined instrument scan.

5. Mastering the Differences: Night vs. Day Flying

Pillar 1: Instrument Flying Discipline:

• Attitude Control: Rely on the Attitude Indicator and Altimeter/VSI to maintain a stable attitude.

• Navigation: Your primary check will shift to navigational aids, GPS, and the magnetic compass.

Pillar 2: The Circuit and Landing Challenge:

• Visual Judgement: Judging height and sink rate relies heavily on the PAPI/VASIS lights. Trust the lighting system.

• Power and Pitch: A stable, power-on approach is vital.

• Emergency Lighting: Practising a simulated electrical failure without landing or taxi lights.

Pillar 3: The Threat of Spatial Disorientation:

One of the greatest dangers is spatial disorientation.

• The Black Hole Effect: This illusion, common when approaching over dark areas, can lead the pilot to fly an excessively low approach—a critical error.

• Mitigation: The solution is complete reliance on the flight instruments and the PAPI/VASIS.

6. Completing the Course and Obtaining Your Endorsement

The Instructor Sign-Off and Certification

Once your ATO/DTO instructor is satisfied, they will sign you off and issue a Course Completion Certificate (CAA5017).

Applying to the CAA

You will submit an online application (SRG1126 or relevant portal), providing:

• Your completed Course Completion Certificate.

• Copies of your pilot licence and medical certificate.

• Certified copies of your logbook pages confirming the minimum flight experience.

Maintaining Currency

The Night Rating itself is non-expiring (it has lifetime validity). To carry passengers at night, you must comply with the recency requirements of FCL.060(b)(2): You must have carried out at least One take-off and one landing at night in the preceding 90 days in the same aircraft class.

7. FAQ: UK Night Rating Course

Q1: How long does the UK Night Rating Course take?

A: The course requires a minimum of 5 hours of night flying. Due to the limited evening window, most students complete the Night Rating over 2 to 5 nights of flying. The full course must be completed within six months.

Q2: What is the estimated cost of the Night Rating?

A: The total cost of the UK Night Rating Course typically ranges between £1,000 and £1,500. This primarily covers the aircraft hire and instruction for the minimum 5 hours of flying.

Q3: Can I complete the Night Rating while still training for my PPL?

A: Yes, you can complete the Night Rating training concurrently with your PPL. However, the rating itself cannot be formally added to your licence until the PPL has been issued by the CAA.

Q4: Is a skills test required for the Night Rating?

A: No. The UK Night Rating is a qualification based on a continuous assessment by your instructor. There is no formal written or practical test.

Q5: Can I fly IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) with just a Night Rating?

A: No. The Night Rating permits you to fly at night under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) only. To fly in the UK under IFR at night, you must hold an additional qualification, such as the Instrument Rating Restricted (IR(R)) or a full Instrument Rating (IR).

Q6: What is the rule on colour blindness for the Night Rating?

A: You must hold a medical certificate that confirms you are ‘colour safe’ or have no colour blindness limitation. This is a mandatory safety requirement to distinguish between air navigation and aerodrome light colours.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Passing the Night Rating practical test is a genuine achievement and unlocks a massive amount of freedom in your flying. The underlying secret is relentless preparation based on the CAA Part-FCL manual.

By mastering the differences—from disciplined instrument scanning to understanding the black hole effect—you become a safer, more professional UK GA pilot.

Feeling confident? Excellent. To turn your theoretical knowledge into instinctive, practical ability, you need guided practice in realistic scenarios - search your local flying club to find out more.