PA.XI.A — Task A — Night Operations
FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation XI
Official ACS text — PA.XI.A
ACS — CERTIFICATION STANDARDReferences: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with night operations. Note: For applicants that reside in Alaska, refer to 14 CFR part 61, section 61.110.
Knowledge — The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
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 — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
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.
Reproduced from FAA-S-ACS-6C, Change 1 (November 2023). Verify against the official document before relying on it.
Is this a regulation?
No — this is a certification standard, not a regulation.
Airman Certification Standards. The ACS defines what an applicant must know, consider and do to pass a practical test. It is a certification standard, not a regulation.