"NA at Night" on instrument approach procedures signifies "Not Authorized" due to unlit obstacles affecting the visual segment, with "night" defined by FAA §1.1 (between civil twilight periods).
Pilots are legally obligated to comply with "NA at Night" restrictions per FAR 91.175(a), as ATC clearances do not relieve the pilot of responsibility for adhering to charted limitations.
These "Not Authorized" notes can apply to entire approaches, specific circling maneuvers, or particular minimums, with some variations allowing Visual Glide Slope Indicators (VGSI) to negate the restriction.
When faced with an "NA at Night" restriction, safe options include diverting, waiting for daylight, or utilizing an authorized alternative approach (even with a tailwind), or carefully canceling IFR to proceed VFR.
You planned this getaway weekend to Wise County, Virginia months ago. A cabin is ready. A rental car awaits you when you land at Lonesome Pine airport (KLNP). It’s good to be instrument rated. The reported ceilings are comfortably high at 1500 AGL. It’s nice to have the protection of an instrument approach when going somewhere new, especially in the Appalachians.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
