Night Currency

One of the prerequisites to carry passengers is three takeoffs and landings to a full stop within the last 90 days. Same goes if you want to carry passengers at night - three takeoffs and landings to a full stop at night. (ref CFR 14-61.57)

I had thoughts of taking the SCSon out to dinner, but knowing the "night"* time rules would be in effect by the time we were headed home, I checked the logbook and found I was just a couple days past the 90 day limit. DRAT!

Yea, we could still go and chances are lottery odds no one would even ask the question "were you current". The only reason anyone would ask the question is if there were an accident. Like CCW carriers and restaurants serving alcohol. Concealed means concealed and no one would know. But I would know, and that is enough. It's a simple concept called integrity** - do the right thing all the time even when, ney especially when, no one is looking.

This shot shows us lined up for runway 22 Right. 22 Left is clearly visible on the left side of the frame. The set of lights on the left side of the runway is a a PAPI - Precision Approach Path Indicator. (See AIM figure 2-1-5) The set of four lights show either red or white depending on the viewer's angle to the runway. White for high and red for low. A standard 3 degree glideslope is indicated by two read and two white. Slightly above shows three white one red and slightly below shows three red one white. Waaaay high or low shows one color or the other. Just remember "red over red - you're dead". Ok, that's the VASI rule but it still applies here, 'cept x2. e.g. "four red, you're dead." Of course this shot here shows we are on the proper 3 degree glidepath, two red and two white.

As always, click on the shot to enlargify

* The 61.57 regulation defines it's version of night, that is one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise in these parts. Tonight local sunset was 6:37pm, Engine start was 7:52 so it was well dark before the flight.

** This is a characteristic pilots tend to exhibit in spades. For example, I once lost my wallet on an airport. It beat me home! That is the message saying "I found your wallet, call me to collect it". Not a thing was missing. My phone number was not in the wallet, but a friend's business card was. The finder called my friend who provided my phone number. Result, My wallet was back in my pocket in less than 6 hours.