A commercial pilot is scheduled to conduct a flight for compensation or hire in an aircraft that is not equipped with an an anticollision light system. Under what conditions, if any, can this flight be legally conducted at night?
- AOnly if the aircraft was certificated before August 11, 1971, and operated in accordance with an approved procedures manual.
- BOnly if the flight remains within Class G airspace and below 1,200 feet AGL.
- CNever, an anticollision light system is always required for night flight for compensation or hire.
- DOnly if the pilot has a letter of authorization from the FAA Administrator for that specific flight.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Only if the aircraft was certificated before August 11, 1971, and operated in accordance with an approved procedures manual.
According to 14 CFR 91.209(b), an anticollision light system is generally required for all aircraft operating at night. However, an exception exists for aircraft certificated before August 11, 1971, which may operate without an anticollision light system if the aircraft is operated under the terms of a certificate of aircraft equivalency issued by the Administrator, or if the aircraft is operated in accordance with an approved procedures manual.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Airspace and altitude restrictions do not negate the equipment requirements for night flight.
- C. This is incorrect due to specific exceptions for older aircraft.
- D. A general letter of authorization is not the specified method for this exception; it's either a certificate of equivalency or an approved procedures manual.
Anticollision Light Exception
Aircraft certificated before August 11, 1971, may operate at night without an anticollision light system if operated in accordance with an approved procedures manual or a certificate of aircraft equivalency.
- Anticollision lights generally required at night.
- Exception for aircraft certificated before August 11, 1971.
- Requires approved procedures manual or certificate of equivalency.
Memory trick: Night lights are a must, unless your bird is old and has a special permit.