(Michael) wrote in message om...
(Robert M. Gary) wrote
Sure - but basic night flying isn't one of them. In other countries
it's a separte rating, and that's fine - but in the US it's something
we expect at the private level.

With the amount of training we give students the should be able to
safely return home even if it gets dark. However, if they plan on
flying a lot of cross countries to unfamiliar airports they may want
to consider getting more than the minimum. I don't have a problem
providing more training but most students aren't interested in that
during their primary training. Most of my students are working
professionals so the time difference between night training and
checkride is often 6 months. Going 6 months without flying at night is
hard for any rated pilot.

And this is why I have a real problem with this blanket acceptance of
no night solo.

I would not have a problem soloing a student at night but would
normally require some additional training. However, the FBOs I work
for prohibit students from flying at night solo so it doesn't make
much difference. I do often work with aircraft owners so that could
happen.

-Robert, CFI