FAA Ground School Practice Test

No person may operate an airplane within Class D airspace at night under special VFR unless what condition is met?

1. The airplane is equipped for instrument flight

2. The airplane meets minimum visibility requirements

3. The pilot has a VFR certification

4. The airplane is equipped for night operations

The correct answer is: The airplane is equipped for instrument flight

In order to operate an airplane within Class D airspace at night under special VFR (Visual Flight Rules), the airplane must meet specific criteria that ensure safety in lower visibility conditions. The correct condition to meet is that the airplane is equipped for instrument flight. This is essential because flying under special VFR at night typically involves lower visibility that can make it difficult for pilots to maintain visual reference to the ground and obstacles. Being equipped for instrument flight means the aircraft has the necessary instruments and equipment, such as avionics and navigation systems, to safely navigate under instrument flight rules when visibility is compromised. While there are minimum visibility requirements and proper pilot certification needed for VFR operations, these alone do not provide the level of safety required at night when visibility can be significantly impaired. Thus, having an airplane equipped for instrument flight is critical to ensure the pilot can operate safely even if visual references are lost.