Night Flight Pop Quiz
[Editor’s note: inspired by Patrick Sherman’s “Night Flight” feature in our October/November issue, Andrew offered his personal test questions that he created for his own FAA Daylight Operations Waiver. Answers are upside-down at the end!]
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Keithly (@akeithlyphotography) is a commercial photographer and videographer in Tennessee who creates photos and videos for architects, realtors, and advertising. He started using drones soon after Part 107 was released and has found them to be an essential tool in his work.
1. What are some of the factors that increase the risk of UAS night operations compared to daylight operations?
1. UAS fly differently at night, making it difficult for pilots who are used to flying during the day.2. A pilot’s visual acuity is reduced, and vision is his/her most important sense.3. Visibility of the UAS, structures, and ground obstacles, as well as other aircraft, is4. Pilots and crew members are more likely to be tired and less aware at night.5. Visual illusions occur at night that can trick any pilot, despite excellent vision, unless the pilot is aware of the visual illusions and can counteract them.
