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Darkness, CHT’s, More

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • VFR night flying demands higher personal weather minimums (e.g., 10-mile visibility) and extreme caution on long final approaches, advocating for the use of visual approach path indicators or electronic glidepaths.
  • Modern engine monitors and intelligent leaning techniques, particularly Lean of Peak (LOP) operations, are critical for effective cylinder head temperature management, leading to improved engine longevity and safety.
  • ADS-B weather displays, especially Nexrad, are best utilized as an avoidance tool for convective weather, not for penetration, and should be combined with visual observation and ATC coordination.
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As a VFR pilot who likes to fly at night, I enjoyed Jim Wolper’s “Prepping for Darkness,” September 2021), and a couple of additional points come to mind. First, up your personal weather minimums a lot—four-mile visibility might be fine during the day, but I won’t go unless it’s 10 at night. Second, beware the long final approach at night. I learned early that it’s somehow easy to drift well below the glide path without realizing it on a five-mile final to a well-lit runway over dark (and often hostile) terrain.

Keep up the good work.

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