NCAA Namibia Night Rating Theory flashcards

39 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Rods and night vision

Rods are photoreceptors sensitive to low light, located in the peripheral retina, and responsible for scotopic vision; they do not detect colour and are most sensitive to blue-green light.

Dark adaptation time

Full dark adaptation takes about 20–30 minutes; avoid white light and use red lighting to preserve night vision.

Averted vision

At night, look 5–10° off-centre to focus images on the rod-rich parafovea, improving detection of dim objects.

Autokinesis

A static light appears to move when stared at for several seconds; fixate briefly and shift gaze to stop the illusion.

Black-hole approach

Over a dark featureless surface, the apparent glide path is lower than actual; use VASI/PAPI or an aiming point to avoid undershooting.

False horizon

A sloping cloud bank or ground lights can be mistaken for the horizon; cross-check with the attitude indicator and heading.

Night hypoxia symptoms

At night, hypoxia can cause diminished night vision, impaired judgement, and euphoria; night vision deteriorates at cabin altitudes as low as 5,000 ft.

Smoking and night vision

Smoking elevates carboxyhaemoglobin and reduces night vision; avoid smoking for at least 12 hours before night flight.

Alcohol and dark adaptation

Alcohol impairs dark adaptation and reaction time; allow at least 8 hours between last drink and flight, and longer for higher doses.

Circadian low points

Fatigue and vigilance are worst around 03:00–05:00 and 15:00–17:00 local time; plan rest and avoid critical tasks during these periods.

Navigation light colours

Red on the left wingtip, green on the right wingtip, and white on the tail; these indicate aircraft orientation to other pilots.

Anti-collision lights

Red or white strobes and beacons increase conspicuity at night; use them to be seen, but avoid flashing lights that cause distraction or disorientation.

Cockpit lighting for night

Use dim red or filtered light to preserve dark adaptation; adjust floodlights to the lowest level that allows reading instruments.

Landing light use

Use landing lights for takeoff and landing to improve visibility and be seen; turn them off when taxiing to avoid blinding other pilots.

Night navigation aids

Use VOR, NDB, GPS, and dead reckoning; visual references are limited, so cross-check position with radio aids and lit landmarks.

Magnetic compass errors

The magnetic compass is reliable in smooth flight but shows errors in turns and acceleration; use the attitude indicator and heading indicator as primary reference.

Night pilotage

Identify lit landmarks such as towns, highways, and airports; verify against charts and maintain a log of time, heading, and position.

GPS at night

GPS provides accurate position fixing; monitor RAIM and use other navigation aids as backup to maintain situational awareness.

Chart maximum elevation figure

The maximum elevation figure (MEF) on a chart indicates the highest terrain or obstacle elevation in each quadrangle; maintain altitude above MEF for terrain clearance.

Position fixing at night

Plot dead reckoning positions at regular intervals and compare with visual or radio fixes; record time, heading, and position to maintain a log.

TAF use at night

The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast provides expected conditions; check validity, wind, visibility, clouds, and weather phenomena for night planning.

Radiation fog

Radiation fog forms on clear, calm nights when the temperature approaches the dewpoint; it can reduce visibility rapidly.

Night weather hazards

Night fog, low stratus, icing, turbulence, and obscured thunderstorms are hazards; use METAR, TAF, and radar to assess conditions.

Alternate requirements at night

Alternate weather minimums are more stringent at night; ensure adequate fuel and a suitable alternate with forecast conditions above minima.

Stabilized approach at night

Maintain a stabilized approach using instrument references and visual glidepath indicators; be prepared to go around if not stabilized or visual references are lost.

Night taxi precautions

Ensure taxiway lights are visible, taxi at low speed, follow taxiway centreline markings, and use landing lights judiciously to avoid blinding others.

Sterile cockpit

Avoid unnecessary conversation during critical phases of flight, such as taxi, takeoff, and approach, to maintain focus and situational awareness.

Runway edge lights

Runway edge lights are white; threshold lights are green on the approach side and red on the departure side; runway end lights are red.

Taxiway lights

Taxiway edge lights are blue; taxiway centreline lights are green; use them to maintain directional control during night taxi.

PAPI indications

Precision Approach Path Indicator uses red and white lights: more white than red means above glidepath; more red than white means below glidepath; two of each means on glidepath.

Pilot-controlled lighting

Pilot-controlled lighting (PCL) may require keying the microphone on a specific frequency to activate; check the chart supplement for details.

DECIDE model

A structured decision-making model: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate; use it to make informed decisions at night.

IMSAFE checklist

A preflight risk assessment tool: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion; use it before night flight to evaluate fitness.

Plan continuation bias

The tendency to continue with an original plan despite changing conditions; counteract by setting decision points and being prepared to divert or cancel.

Engine failure at night

Establish best glide speed, select a landing area (preferably an airport or lit area), attempt restart, and declare an emergency.

Electrical failure at night

Use backup instruments and flashlights; consider diverting to an airport with lighting and declare an emergency if necessary.

Lost procedures at night

Climb to a safe altitude, use navigation aids, and call ATC for assistance (e.g., DF steers); maintain situational awareness.

Disorientation at night

Rely on instruments, avoid sudden manoeuvres, and use the attitude indicator and heading indicator to recover from spatial disorientation.

Communication failure at night

Follow published lost communication procedures, squawk 7600, and watch for light signals from ATC.