SUAS Night Operations
DATE: August 6, 2026
Operating a UAS at night introduces a very different risk profile than daytime flight. Reduced visibility, visual illusions, lighting misconfiguration, and increased workload can quickly compound if not properly managed. This one-day course is designed for intermediate pilots who want to extend their mission capability into nighttime operations while maintaining a strong safety margin. The focus is on regulatory compliance, disciplined preparation, and risk-based decision-making, ensuring pilots understand not only how to fly at night, but when it is appropriate to do so. Emphasis is placed on situational awareness, crew coordination, and system limitations so nighttime missions are conducted deliberately, defensively, and within the bounds of the FAA’s operational framework.
Course Objectives
- Understand and apply FAA requirements for nighttime UAS operations
- Properly configure aircraft lighting and visibility equipment
- Identify and mitigate risks unique to low-light and reduced-visibility environments
- Plan nighttime missions, define crew roles, and manage communications
- Safely detect, identify, and avoid hazards and targets after dark
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