Hi,
Well everyone has given great advice which I agree with. The only
thing that I can add is this
COCKPIT ORGANIZATION by this I mean know were everything is without
having to go fishing for it. in a dark cockpit it can be difficult or
impossible to have to go looking for things in your flight bag. The
only other thing I can add is have at least two flashlights and spare
batteries. I date mine when they are put in and they are replaced every
year or sooner depending on usage.. I like the led style that I can
hang around my neck red or green color. easy to find stay away from
the one light multi colors... unless it has a foolproof switch system
you spend more time fumbling for the right switch nothing worse than
trying for red or green and getting white ... I also carry a mini mag
light for the preflight.

With that said enjoy!!

wrote:
I have about 150 total hours now, but my only night flights were during
my training as required for certification.

I fly in the Bay Area, CA I would love to see the beautiful scenery of
the city lights that night flying offers.

How long does it take to comfortabley fly at night and how do those of
you that fly at night navigate in the dark?

Or I guess a better question is what techniques do you use at night to
navigate that are different then how you navigate during the day?

Do you just fly the altitudes that you fly during the day time to stay
safely from getting too close to anything?

I know the easy answer is to go up with an instructor, and I plan too,
but I wanted to hear from you all first and see what you do differently
at night versus the day and how many of you actually take advantage of
night flying.