The first 500 feet of altitude after takeoff is considered to be the most critical period in transitioning from the comparatively well-lighted airport or heliport into what sometimes appears to be total darkness. A takeoff at night is usually an “altitude over airspeed” maneuver, meaning you will most likely perform a nearly maximum performance takeoff. This improves the chances for obstacle clearance and enhances safety. When performing this maneuver, be sure to avoid the cross-hatched or shaded areas of the height-velocity diagram.
EN ROUTE PROCEDURES
In order to provide a higher margin of safety, it is recommended that you select a cruising altitude somewhat higher than normal. There are several reasons for this. First, a higher altitude gives you more clearance between obstacles, especially those that are difficult to see at night, such as high tension wires and unlighted towers. Secondly, in the event of an engine failure, you have more time to set up for a landing and the gliding distance is greater giving you more options in making a safe landing. Thirdly, radio reception is improved, particularly if you are using radio aids for navigation.
During your preflight planning, it is recommended that you select a route of flight that keeps you within reach of an airport, or any safe landing site, as much of the time as possible. It is also recommended that you fly as close as possible to a populated or lighted area such as a highway or town. Not only does this offer more options in the event of an emergency, but also makes navigation a lot easier. A course comprised of a series of slight zig-zags to stay close to suitable landing sites and well lighted areas, only adds a little more time and distance to an otherwise straight course.
In the event that you have to make a forced landing at night, use the same procedure recommended for daytime emergency landings. If available, turn on the landing light during the final descent to help in avoiding obstacles along your approach path.
COLLISION AVOIDANCE AT NIGHT
At night, the outside visual references are greatly reduced especially when flying over a sparsely populated area with little or no lights. The result is that you tend to focus on a single point or instrument, making you less aware of the other traffic around. You must make a special effort to devote enough time to scan for traffic. You can determine another aircraft’s direction of flight by interpreting the position and anticollision lights.
 
 

APPROACH AND LANDING
Night approaches and landings do have some advantages over daytime approaches, as the air is generally smoother and the disruptive effects of turbulence and excessive crosswinds are often absent. However, there are a few special considerations and techniques that apply to approaches at night. For example, when landing at night, especially at an unfamiliar airport, make the approach to a lighted runway and then use the taxiways to avoid unlighted obstructions or equipment.