Q: I’m working on my night training and can preflight our aircraft outside the FBO where there is good lighting, so I don’t need to use a flashlight. I don’t think I need a flashlight but is it required that I carry one?
A: For private flight operations, there is no specific legal requirement to carry a flashlight, although the absence of a flashlight may be used in an enforcement case if the flashlight would have helped avoid the violation. If you needed a flashlight to check the fuel level and then you ran out of fuel, or if you missed a cowl plug during your walkaround in the dark, the FAA may argue that you failed to conduct a proper preflight by not carrying a flashlight. It is a good idea to have a working flashlight during night operations. FAA publications set out that at least one reliable flashlight is recommended as standard equipment on all night flights, as well as a spare set of fresh batteries. The FAA suggests a flashlight with a bulb-switching mechanism to select white light or red light, easier to manage than carrying two flashlights—one with white light and one with red light. The white light can be used for preflight activities but its use will diminish your night vision. The red light is for cockpit operations and won’t interfere with your night vision. The CFI practical test standards require a CFI applicant to demonstrate instructional knowledge of the elements of night operations, including the importance of having a flashlight with a red lens.
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