Night rating for aeroplanes/microlights
Guidance on requirements and how to apply for a Night rating.
What is a night rating?
A night rating allows a pilot to fly at night exercising visual flight rules (VFR). If a pilot wishes to fly at night using instrument flight rules (IFR) they are also required to have an instrument rating.
The night rating is non-expiring (it has lifetime validity).
Requirements
In order to apply for a night rating you will have to pass an appropriate training course at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) or a Declared Training Organisation (DTO). This course must be completed within a period of 6 months.
The training includes:
- Theoretical knowledge instruction
- At least 5 hours of flight time at night, including at least 3 hours of dual instruction, including at least 1 hour of cross-country navigation with at least one dual cross-country flight of at least 50 km (27 NM) and 5 solo take-offs and 5 solo full-stop landings.
Before completing the training at night, LAPL holders shall have completed the basic instrument flight training required for the issue of the PPL.
When applicants hold both a single-engine piston aeroplane (land) and a TMG class rating, they may complete the requirements in either class or both classes.
The night rating can be applied for at the same time as the issue of a PPL. The applicant must have completed the night rating course requirements as an additional 5 hours course to the PPL.
A further breakdown of the Night (A) training course can be found in AMC1 FCL.810(a) Night Rating Credits.
Refer to Part-FCL, Subpart I, FCL.810 for any credits that may apply.
A night rating for aeroplanes can be endorsed on an NPPL, LAPL or PPL, however, the applicant must hold at least a class 2 medical or have passed a colour sight test.
Further information on the medical requirements can be found in MED.A.030. All LAPL holders need to comply with MED.030/AMC14 MED.B.095.
Transferring a night rating from an ICAO licence
If you already hold a night rating/privilege on an ICAO licence (including EASA licences) and you wish to add it to your UK licence, you will need to complete discretionary training with at a UK ATO/DTO.
For UK Military Flight Crew
The Military Aircrew Accreditation Scheme (MAAS) as detailed in CAP2254: Military Aircrew Accreditation Scheme | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) (sets out the credits for UK Military Flight Crews, for the purpose of obtaining Part-FCL licences, ratings or certificates.
Changes to the MAAS now include credits for people with Military privileges for night.
In all instances the most recent SRG2133 must be fully completed and submitted, confirming details of a military night rating, along with the relevant supporting documentation.
To apply for a night rating to be added to your licence, please complete the online form SRG1126
What documents to submit
When applying for a night rating online, you will be asked to upload the following documents:
- A night rating online course completion certificate CAA5017
- A copy of your licence, including the certificate of revalidation pages
- A copy of your logbook pages showing your night flying experience
- A copy of your medical certificate
If you are transferring a night rating from an ICAO licence, you will also need to provide a copy of your ICAO licence, including certificate of revalidation pages/logbook pages showing the night privileges. You will also need to submit an Application for the Verification of a Third Country ICAO Licence.
The fee for the issue of a night rating is £170. This fee is required prior to submitting your application.
An additional fee will be charged if you wish for your licence to be returned by a courier service.
Visit our licence fees and costs section for more information.
Accessibility
If you have a disability and require assistance with submitting your application online, please do not hesitate to contact our support team on 0330 022 1972 (Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30).