Latest an aircraft can land? (Unlit runway)

[someguy1]

Ive allways wanted to know what the latest time an aircraft can land on a unlit airfield but nether thought to ask, anyone know?

[TH1213]

At the risk of sounding slightly stupid, but surely its when the sun has gone down?

Don't shoot me, just a theory

Thomas

[Mictheslik]

Depends on what the aircraft is, the pilot's qualifications and the airfield operating hours

Some aircraft are day VFR (Visual Flight Rules) only, so must be on the ground by 30 minutes after sunset.

Some pilots are day VFR only (most PPLs) so the same applies. Obviously you can get instrument and night ratings that let you fly IFR and night VFR.

Some airfields close at published hours. To land you need the permission of the operator, and if the airfield is closed, you don't have permission.

Hope that helps

.mic

EDIT: Just realised you say unlit. In which case the airfield is limited to day VFR only. The only real (sensible) exceptions are military aircraft making night approaches with NVGs and civil helicopters that may be using a well lit helipad

[DamienB]

23:59:59

[LN Strike Eagle]

23:59:59

[someguy1]

Thanks for the quick reply's what made me ask this was that just as the sun set G-ARVU and G-BIGJ returned to Clacton both having left a few hours before. Had to do a double take before i realised something was landing as ive never seen anything land this late.

Does anyone know if G-ARVU is based here now as its been doing circuits the past few days and doesn't seem to be leaving!

[someguy1]

23:59:59

should have phased the tittle a bit better

[MarkL]

23:59:59

should have phased the tittle a bit better

...leave it guys !!!

[BEX]

Just for the record then, official "night" is

the period from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise

So, a landing after sunset may not actually be a night flight.

Remember, the horizon is further away at altitude.

That said, landing at night on a completely unlit surface is a real challenge, believe me. No depth perception you see. (pardon the pun!)

Rgds
BEX

[cw318is]

cock a snook at this, which will tell all about licensing. Clacton is only licensed for VFR-Day. http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?c ... ail&id=232

Do you mean G-AVRU? She always used to be Clacton based and syndicate owned.

[someguy1]

Do you mean G-AVRU? She always used to be Clacton based and syndicate owned.

Nope defiantly G-ARVU, i have found that it has been for sale though

[DeconflictionService]

One thing: You can land as many times as you like with NVG goggles...

[Traveller]

Being licensed doesn't mean anything if it was a priavte hire flight and not training.