Chapter 14: Night Ground Procedures

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

NIGHT GROUND PROCEDURES

1400. INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides the basic procedures and techniques essential to the safe operation of the

airplane on the ground at night. These procedures cover night operations both before and after

flight.

1401. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES

The night preflight will include all items checked on day preflight with the following additions:

Check operation of all interior lights in both cockpits during the cockpit safety check by

checking the following switches ON (both cockpits) prior to turning on the battery.

Instrument lights - rheostats full clockwise.

Console and flood lights - rheostats full clockwise.

Utility light - rheostat full clockwise. The utility light will be positioned in the

forward receptacle just aft of the emergency canopy open handle.

Circuit breaker panel light switch - ON.

With the battery on, complete a check of all exterior lights by turning ON the following

switches:

Landing lights.

Navigation lights (BRIGHT and DIM position).

Strobe lights.

External landing gear indicator lights ("peanut lights") (will automatically activate

with battery ON). Conduct a walk-around of the aircraft to ensure operation of all

exterior lights. Ensure any discrepancies are corrected prior to flight. A clear lens

flashlight shall be used during night preflight inspection.

1402. LIGHT SIGNALS

The student must have a precise knowledge of all light signals to safely conduct night operations.

NATOPS contains the required ground handling signals.

1403. START

The start will be accomplished in the same manner as daylight operations except that the NAV

lights switch will be in the BRIGHT position and the STROBE lights will be OFF. Cockpit

lights will dim during start, so it is recommended you turn the INST POST lights FULL

NIGHT GROUND PROCEDURES 14-1