Ramy wrote:
Isn't it exactly the same "advantage" any motorglider has when they
start the engine far from home and get scored up to that point? Andy's
suggestion will allow pilots to land back home safely few minutes after
sunset if necessary rather then land out to get scored, or fly back
home and don't get scored at all...

No it's not the same. The MG is not breaking a FAR by starting the
engine. Flying a sailplane after sunset without position lights is
ILLEGAL. Time and position is something our FRs measure quite
accurately, and "official" sunset is available before the flight.
There is no excuse or "fudge factor" as is possible within some limits
on altitude and SUA penetration.

Until recently, I was unaware of the difference between "night flight"
and need for position lights, so thought it was OK to fly until 30
minutes beyond sunset. I now know it is not. I know I've busted this
rule in the past out of ignorance, but not in the last 5-10 years if I
recall.

As with any law, ignorance is not an excuse, so I would have not
hesitated to witdraw a claim that proves a violation on my part.

-Tom