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Civil Twilight
The period after sunset or before sunrise when the sun is no more than 6 degrees below the horizon. The FAA defines night for logging purposes as the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight.
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Learn more in Private Pilot License →Related Terms
- Class B AirspaceControlled airspace surrounding the nation's busiest airports (e.g., LAX, JFK, ORD). Operations within Class B require an ATC clearance, a functioning transponder with Mode C, and at least a Private Pilot certificate (student pilots need specific endorsements).
- Class C AirspaceControlled airspace around airports with an operational control tower, radar approach control, and a certain volume of IFR operations. Under 14 CFR 91.130, pilots must establish two-way radio communication before entry, and Class C requires a Mode C transponder and ADS-B Out (91.215 and 91.225).
- Commercial Pilot CertificateAn FAA pilot certificate that authorizes compensated flying privileges beyond private pilot limitations, subject to the ratings and limitations on the certificate. Many pilots pursue the commercial certificate after the instrument rating as the next career or advanced training milestone.
- Complex AirplaneAn airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller (including airplanes with full-authority digital engine control). Under 14 CFR 61.31, a complex-airplane endorsement from an authorized instructor is required before acting as PIC in a complex airplane.