Soar to Success in 2025 – Ace Your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Checkride!

Bright lights should be avoided during night flight preparations because they can cause temporary blindness or reduce a pilot's ability to see and adapt to the darkness. When a bright light is introduced into a dark environment, it can lead to a phenomenon known as "night blindness," where the pupil constricts and takes time to adjust once the bright light is removed. This adjustment period can impair the pilot’s sight, particularly in recognizing other aircraft or visual references important for safe navigation.

During night flying, maintaining optimal visibility is crucial—pilots should utilize lower intensity lighting when preparing for flight to preserve night vision. Other options like using strobe lights or landing lights may have their applications, but they should be deployed judiciously and not during preparation, while red pilot lights can be beneficial for maintaining night vision. Overall, it's critical to maintain a balance that ensures maximum visibility and safety in low-light conditions.