Exceptions to the night flying requirements

This regulation provides an exception to night flying requirements for pilots training and living in Alaska, where extended daylight hours in summer make night training impractical.

Alaska residents can obtain a pilot certificate without completing night training, but it will have a "night flying prohibited" limitation. This allows them to fly legally during daylight hours immediately after certification.

However, this isn't permanent. Within 12 months of receiving the certificate, the pilot must complete the required night training. If they don't meet this deadline, the certificate becomes invalid until they do.

To remove the night flying limitation, the pilot must:

• Complete the appropriate night flight training requirements
• Obtain a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor verifying completion
• Present this endorsement to an examiner

This accommodation recognizes Alaska's unique geography while ensuring pilots eventually gain necessary night flying experience.

*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.*