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Night Currency
The recent flight experience required to carry passengers at night. Under 14 CFR 61.57(b), a pilot needs three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days, accomplished during the period from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
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- Night IllusionA visual or vestibular misperception more likely at night when outside references are limited, such as false horizons, autokinesis, or featureless-terrain approach illusions. Night training emphasizes recognizing illusions, trusting instruments and lighting cues, and using conservative approach and go-around criteria.
- Non-Precision ApproachAn instrument approach procedure that provides lateral guidance to the runway but does not include an electronic glideslope for vertical guidance. Examples include localizer-only, VOR, and many RNAV (GPS) LNAV approaches; pilots descend to a minimum descent altitude (MDA) and must see the runway environment to continue.
- Nontowered AirportAn airport without an operating control tower where pilots self-announce and sequence using CTAF/UNICOM procedures. Nontowered operations still require traffic-pattern discipline and wake-turbulence awareness around larger arrivals and departures.
- NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions)A notice containing information concerning the establishment, condition, or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure, or hazard. Pilots are required to check NOTAMs during preflight planning.