4 min readMay 17, 2026

Night flying is some of the most satisfying flying there is — and one of the most expensive corners of currency to maintain if you don't think it through.

What night currency actually means (§61.57(b))

To carry passengers at night (defined as the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise), you must have made within the preceding 90 days:

• 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop, at night, as sole manipulator of the controls
• In the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required) of aircraft

If you just want to fly solo at night, you only need to be current per the BFR — no separate night currency required. The 3 takeoffs/landings rule is only for passenger-carrying at night.

Cheapest way to stay current

A4's Jabiru J230-D at $135/hr wet. Three landings at KDTO at night takes ~0.6 hours of Hobbs time. That's about $80 for full night passenger currency.

The same currency in a $195/hr 172 costs $117. Over a year of staying current monthly, you save $400+.

Where the savings flip

The Jabiru fleet is day VFR certified. If your night flying ambitions include long XC night trips, IFR, or night flying in IMC, you need an IFR-certified aircraft. For local night currency and short XC at night, the Jabiru is perfect.

Practical tips for night flying

• Always run the panel lights, position lights, beacon, and landing light check before sunset taxi
• Carry two working flashlights (red and white)
• File a flight plan — at night, search and rescue lead times matter
• Brief the runway environment carefully; KDTO is well-lit but unfamiliar airports are not
• Fly to a known, well-lit airport for currency landings (KDTO, KGYI, KADS)

Night training value

If you got your private without much night experience, 5-10 hours of dual night flying is one of the best investments you can make. Better instrument scan habits, better situational awareness, and a real respect for weather.

A4's J230-D is night-VFR equipped — apply at contact.