Well since we don’t fly with night vision it’s very important to remember while flying at night a bright light in the cockpit can really make things go bad for you very fast.
It can take up to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust back to normal. When using a flashlight either outside or inside the cockpit always use a flashlight with a colored lense
Strobe Lights
Strobe lights in most cases shouldn’t be used until you’re ready for takeoff. Strobe lights can blind other pilots on the ramp as well as taxi.
Autokinesis
Autokinesis is when you stare at a non-moving light and after a while, it will appear that it is moving. Little scary if you ask me.
False Horizon
The right combination of street lights or clouds can make a false horizon appear. Bottom line: trust your instruments.
Runway lighting
Runway lighting is great. Turn those runway lights on high (7 clicks) when you’re high and looking for the runway. Once you found it turn it down to medium or low (5 or 3 clicks) so you don’t blind yourself when you’re on approach.
VASI/PAPI
Look for those white and red lights. As we all know too many reds light and we’re too low. I don’t know about you, but I rather see too many white lights at night. Of course, we’re looking for red and white lights at the same time.
