slick1537 Posted November 5, 2007 Posted November 5, 2007 Got to do my first night flight last night. It was also my first flight into a controlled airspace (Class D). I figured the runways would be a lot easier to see at night because of the lights up and down each side in a strait line, man was I wrong. Also I had never been to the airport, but my instructor kept telling me where to turn I couldn't find the runway until turning final. All and all very very neat flying at night over an urban area, everything seems to look like they are toy firetrucks or the ones you see on the model railroad tracks. Also got to shoot an approach to the helipad which I though was also very neat. Looking very good for my first solo this week. Horay! Quote
Sparker Posted November 5, 2007 Posted November 5, 2007 Sounds awesome.... good luck on the solo. Quote
icqa Posted November 5, 2007 Posted November 5, 2007 My first night flights were to a Class D airport via Class C airspace. I was pretty much the same way with regard to the unfamiliarity of the airport. Now I've done a few solos between the Class C and D airports and really enjoy night flying. Most of the time the air is very smooth. Quote
icqa Posted November 5, 2007 Posted November 5, 2007 Mainly between Bulverde and Stinson with stops in San Antonio Where do you go for your nights, icqa? Quote
BOATFIXERGUY Posted November 5, 2007 Posted November 5, 2007 Night ops in the helo are awesome! Congrats on your progress! Quote
FlyNHighNFast Posted November 6, 2007 Posted November 6, 2007 Sounds just like my night flight, the landing light magnifies the need for precise heading control on set down. I'm looking forward to my next night dual. M. Quote
joker Posted November 6, 2007 Posted November 6, 2007 Runways at night are only easy to see if you are aligned, or close, or overhead. From the side, actually you should be looking for the 'darkest' patch to find an airport that is nestled in an urban area. Also look for the beacon. Joker Quote
Wally Posted November 6, 2007 Posted November 6, 2007 Got to do my first night flight last night. It was also my first flight into a controlled airspace (Class D). I figured the runways would be a lot easier to see at night because of the lights up and down each side in a strait line, man was I wrong. Also I had never been to the airport, but my instructor kept telling me where to turn I couldn't find the runway until turning final. All and all very very neat flying at night over an urban area, everything seems to look like they are toy firetrucks or the ones you see on the model railroad tracks. Also got to shoot an approach to the helipad which I though was also very neat. Looking very good for my first solo this week. Horay! Airport? Airport?! I don' need no stinkin' airport! Only wusses need a runway...As posted, in an urban setting, the beacon and a big dark area are good things to look for. Most helpful if you're not too close, and the runway has pilot controlled lights, seeing them come on draws your attention. Look out for our autorotationally impaired brothers at night, you're really really hard to see against the surface lights. I hope you enjoy nights as much as I do. Cool, smooth air, better vis, and less traffic... Quote
Gomer Pylot Posted November 7, 2007 Posted November 7, 2007 Cool, smooth air, better vis, and less traffic... Sometimes. Not always. There is a reason "It was a dark and stormy night..." is a cliche. Quote
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