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Required Equipment for Night VFR Flight: Understanding FLAPS

Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Flying at night introduces unique challenges, from reduced visual references to increased reliance on aircraft lighting and instruments. Because of these risks, the FAA requires additional equipment for VFR flight at night beyond what’s needed during the day. Pilots commonly remember these extra requirements using the acronym FLAPS.


This article explains what FLAPS stands for, why each item is required, and how it fits into FAA regulations.



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Day VFR vs. Night VFR Equipment

To fly VFR at night, an aircraft must be equipped with:

  1. All day VFR required equipment (ATOMATOFLAMES), plus

  2. The additional equipment represented by FLAPS


These requirements are defined in 14 CFR §91.205(c).


What Does FLAPS Stand For?

FLAPS represents the additional equipment required for night VFR operations:

  • F – Fuses

  • L – Landing light

  • A – Anti-collision lights

  • P – Position lights

  • S – Source of electrical power


Let’s break down each one.


FLAPS Explained

F — Fuses

  • Spare fuses are required if the aircraft uses fuses (not circuit breakers)

  • Must be accessible in flight

  • Ensures electrical protection can be restored if a fuse blows


L — Landing Light

  • Required if the aircraft is operated for hire

  • Strongly recommended for all night operations

  • Essential for:

    • Runway illumination

    • Obstacle avoidance

    • Being seen by other aircraft


A — Anti-Collision Lights

  • Includes rotating beacons or strobe lights

  • Enhances aircraft visibility to others

  • Required if installed (unless the pilot determines it’s unsafe to operate them)


Anti-collision lights are required for both day and night VFR, but are especially critical at night.


P — Position Lights

  • Commonly known as navigation lights

  • Red (left), green (right), and white (tail)

  • Required from sunset to sunrise

  • Allow other pilots to determine aircraft direction and orientation


S — Source of Electrical Power

  • Typically an alternator or generator

  • Must supply power to:

    • Lighting systems

    • Radios

    • Essential flight instruments


Without a reliable electrical source, night VFR flight is unsafe and illegal.


Common Night VFR Misconceptions

  • Flashlights do not replace aircraft lighting requirements

  • Landing lights are only required for hire, but highly recommended for all night flights

  • GPS and glass panels are not required, but basic lighting and power are mandatory

  • Inoperative equipment must be deferred in accordance with 14 CFR §91.213


What If Night Equipment Is Inoperative?

If a required FLAPS item is inoperative:

  • The aircraft is not airworthy for night VFR, unless

  • The item is legally deferred using:

    • An approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL), or

    • FAA deferral procedures (if applicable)


Pilots must placard the equipment and determine that safety is not compromised.


Why FLAPS Matters

Night flying leaves less margin for error. Proper lighting and electrical systems:

  • Improve situational awareness

  • Reduce collision risk

  • Enhance emergency response

  • Ensure legal compliance


Knowing FLAPS helps pilots make confident go/no-go decisions before night flights.


Final Thoughts

FLAPS is a simple but powerful acronym that captures the essential equipment needed for safe and legal night VFR flight. Combined with ATOMATOFLAMES, it forms the foundation of FAA equipment requirements every pilot should know.


Before any night flight, verify that all required equipment is operational—because at night, preparation matters even more.



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