Safe, Single-Pilot IFR generalities

That's interesting. I have post lamps on all the instruments. I use a
combination of clip on goosenecks for pilot and co-pilot(backup). I use
a strap-on headlamp on too. And I have 1 to 3 additional flashlights
in the bag along with a eyeglass case full of spare batteries.

I have an overhead cabin lamp but almost never use it. It's both too
good and not good enough. It kills my night vision but isn't good
enough to use for map reading.

In fact, my headlamp is my main light. It moves where I'm looking, it
has 3 distinct lighting levels and colors, it gives me what I want, when
I want it, without killing my night vision. I've almost stopped using
my goosenecks.

Fact is, I try to do as little night flying as possible - VFR or IFR.
My 50-some eyesight isn't getting any better but more important, I just
become more risk averse as time marches on.

But I'm still willing to do night SE/SP IFR in many situations. It
helps that I'm flying a slow, simple, stable plane that only I fly.

Michael wrote:

My eyes are not quite 40, but I have much the same problem in most
airplanes. However, most GA airplanes do not have anything resembling
an adequate lighting system.

Clue time - if you need a flashlight to perform ANY task in the
cockpit, your lighting is inadequate. A flashlight is an emergency
backup, not for normal inflight use.

I don't worry about single pilot night IFR in my airplane, because it
has an adequate lighting system. Someone, somewhere along the way, did
most of what was required and I filled in the rest. That includes
pilot and copilot overhead map lights with yoke-mounted actuation
switches - so you can keep flying the plane while reading the map. It
also includes panel lighting for all the instruments and overhead
lights forward and aft - each with independent switches. The only time
I use a flashlight in the plane is for startup, so as not to run down
the battery.

Once adequate lighting is in place, there's really no issue. However,
as I mentioned before, most GA airplanes do not have adequate lighting.
I've never seen a rental that did. On the other hand, I think you're
pretty much taking your life in your hands flying a rental night-IMC
anyway.

Michael