NVFR
Night VFR Rating
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is NVFR?
A Night VFR (NVFR) Rating is an EASA qualification added to a PPL or LAPL that allows the holder to exercise VFR privileges at night — defined as 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise — in visual meteorological conditions, with the aircraft properly equipped for night operations.
How is NVFR used?
NVFR training focuses on the practical differences between day and night flying: visual illusions, reduced perception of terrain, instrument cross-checking by moonlight or dim cockpit lighting, and emergency off-airport landing considerations when ground references are scarce. Candidates complete a minimum of 5 hours of instrument flight instruction plus at least 5 night takeoffs and 5 night landings during the dual training phase. The NVFR rating does NOT permit IFR flight — it only allows VFR in dark conditions with visual references maintained to the ground. Pilots pursuing the NVFR typically do so to extend usable flying time during winter months in northern Europe, when civil daylight hours are short. Aircraft operated at night must have position lights, a landing light, anti-collision lights, instrument panel lighting, and a torch aboard — equipment that ATOs verify before dispatching the aircraft on NVFR training flights.