Night flying exceptions

This regulation creates exceptions to the night flying training requirements for pilot certificates, primarily for Alaska residents.

Alaska Exception: If you receive flight training and live in Alaska, you can obtain a pilot certificate without completing night flight training, but it will have a "Night flying prohibited" limitation. You then have 12 months to complete the night training requirements. If you don't meet this deadline, your certificate becomes invalid until you do. To remove the limitation, you must complete the required night training and get a logbook endorsement from an instructor, then present it to an examiner.

General Exception: Anyone else who doesn't meet the night flying requirements in §61.109 can also receive a private pilot certificate with the "Night flying prohibited" limitation. An examiner can remove this limitation once you complete the applicable night training requirements.

This accommodation recognizes Alaska's extended daylight periods and allows pilots elsewhere to earn certificates incrementally.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*