PA.XI.A — Night Operations

What does ACS code PA.XI.A cover?

ACS Code PA.XI.A covers "Night Operations" under Area of Operation XI (Night Operations) for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane certificate (FAA-S-ACS-6C). Candidates are tested on knowledge elements and risk management factors defined in 14 CFR regulations and FAA handbooks (PHAK / AFH).

Task Specification & Required References

• ACS Document: FAA-S-ACS-6C (Private Pilot Airplane)
• Area of Operation: Area XI — Night Operations
• Task: Task A — Night Operations
• Primary FAA Sources: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) / Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28), 14 CFR Parts 61, 91 & 107, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

Airman Certification Standards Elements

Knowledge Elements

• PA.XI.A.K1: Physiological aspects of vision related to night flying.
• PA.XI.A.K2: Lighting systems identifying airports, runways, taxiways and obstructions, as well as pilot controlled lighting.
• PA.XI.A.K3: Airplane equipment and lighting requirements for night operations.
• PA.XI.A.K4: Personal equipment essential for night flight.
• PA.XI.A.K5: Night orientation, navigation, chart reading techniques and methods for maintaining night vision effectiveness.
• PA.XI.A.K6: Night taxi operations.
• PA.XI.A.K7: Interpretation of traffic position and direction based solely on position lights.
• PA.XI.A.K8: Visual illusions at night.

Risk Management Elements

• PA.XI.A.R1: Collision hazards.
• PA.XI.A.R2: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PA.XI.A.R3: Effect of visual illusions and night adaptation during all phases of night flying.
• PA.XI.A.R4: Runway incursion.
• PA.XI.A.R5: Night currency versus proficiency.
• PA.XI.A.R6: Weather considerations specific to night operations.
• PA.XI.A.R7: Inoperative equipment.

How do I study PA.XI.A?

1. Read each element for PA.XI.A in FAA-S-ACS-6C and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
2. Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
3. Practice with questions tagged PA.XI.A, and read the explanation for every miss.
4. Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.

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Related ACS tasks

• Previous task: PA.X.D — Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)
• Next task: PA.XII.A — After Landing, Parking, and Securing