EASA Endorsement Module: Night Operations

• Understand human physiological factors relevant to night vision and night flying.
• Learn EASA regulations and specific national rules pertaining to UAS night operations.
• Identify and mitigate risks specifically associated with flying UAS at night.
• Understand requirements for UAS lighting and pilot night-operation equipment.
• Master pre-flight planning and preparation techniques unique to night missions.
• Develop proficiency in UAS control, navigation, and orientation during actual night flight conditions.
• Practice emergency procedures adapted for nighttime scenarios.
• Successfully pass theoretical and practical assessments for night operations competency.

- A valid EASA remote pilot certificate appropriate for the intended base operation (e.g., Open A2, STS certificate, or RPCT for Specific Category).
- Sufficient overall flight experience as deemed necessary by the training provider.
- Medical fitness for night flying (e.g., adequate night vision).

This endorsement module combines essential theory with hands-on practical flight training at night. Key topics include:

Theoretical Knowledge:

• Night Vision Physiology: Understanding how the human eye adapts to darkness, limitations, and illusions.
• EASA Regulations for Night Operations: Specific rules, operational conditions, and limitations.
• UAS Requirements for Night Flight: Aircraft lighting (navigation, anti-collision), ground station setup, and other necessary equipment.
• Meteorological Conditions at Night: Fog, dew, temperature inversions, and their impact.
• Mission Planning for Night Operations: Specific considerations for site assessment, route planning, obstacle identification, and emergency landing areas in low-light conditions.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation for Night Flights.
• Emergency Procedures Adapted for Night.
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) for Night Operations.

Practical Flight Training:

• Pre-flight checks specific to night operations.
• Take-offs and landings in various lighting conditions.
• Navigation and orientation exercises relying on UAS lights and instruments.
• Maneuvering the UAS at different altitudes and distances at night.
• Simulated emergency scenarios during night flight.
• Post-flight procedures for night operations.

Hands-on practical flight training conducted during nighttime hours is a mandatory component of this endorsement. This includes all phases of flight from pre-flight preparation with night-specific considerations, take-off, navigation by instruments and UAS lighting, specific maneuvers, simulated emergencies, to landing and post-flight checks in a low-light environment.

Assessment for the Night Operations Endorsement Module typically involves:

• A theoretical knowledge examination focusing on night-specific topics.
• A practical flight skills assessment conducted at night under the supervision of a qualified examiner, demonstrating safe operational competency.

Successful completion is required to receive the endorsement.

- EASA certified remote pilots (e.g., holding A2, STS, or Specific Category RPCT qualifications) who need to conduct operations after official sunset.
- Professionals in fields such as security, surveillance, emergency response, industrial inspection, or cinematography requiring nighttime UAS capabilities.
- UAS operators seeking to expand their operational window and service offerings.