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Technique: Preflight for night ops

Start your evening right

Flying at night can be enjoyable. The air is smoother; the airwaves are quieter with less radio chatter. Prepare for your night flight as you would a daytime flight, with these additional considerations—and pay close attention to the weather. Don’t even flirt with the idea of flying VFR if there’s a possibility you could encounter instrument meteorological conditions.
Illustration by Charles Floyd
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Jill W. Tallman
Jill W. Tallman
AOPA Technical Editor
AOPA Technical Editor Jill W. Tallman is an instrument-rated private pilot who is part-owner of a Cessna 182Q.

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