Free Practice Questions for SACAA Night Rating
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Sample SACAA Night Rating Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the SACAA Night Rating exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Under the South African Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs), how is 'night' legally defined for aviation operational and licensing purposes?
2According to SA-CATS 61.08, what is the minimum total number of dual instrument instruction hours required for the issue of an aeroplane night rating?
3What is the maximum number of dual instrument hours that may be accumulated in an approved Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) towards the 10-hour instrument requirement for a night rating?
4For an aeroplane night rating applicant, what is the minimum number of dual night takeoffs and landings required during flight training?
5What are the distance and landing specifications for the mandatory dual night cross-country flight for an aeroplane night rating?
6What is the minimum duration of theoretical knowledge ground instruction required for a SACAA Night Rating?
7To act as pilot-in-command (PIC) carrying passengers at night, what recent experience must a pilot maintain under SACAA Part 61?
8Pursuant to SACAA CAR 61.01.10, what is the minimum pass mark required for the Night Rating theoretical knowledge examination?
9Under SACAA Part 91, what are the minimum flight visibility and cloud distance requirements for a Night VFR flight in Class G airspace at or below 1,000 ft AGL?
10What minimum altitude above the highest obstacle within 8 km of track must be maintained during a Night VFR flight under SACAA Part 91 over non-populous areas?
About the SACAA Night Rating Exam
The SACAA Night Rating Theoretical Knowledge Examination is a mandatory computer-based test conducted under SACAA Part 61 Subpart 8 and SA-CATS 61.08. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in night air law and CARs/CATS operational rules, night weather hazards (such as Katabatic winds, radiation fog, and temperature inversions), human factors and visual illusions (photopic/scotopic vision, dark adaptation, autokinesis, somatogravic illusion, black-hole effect, slope illusions), and aircraft/aerodrome lighting systems and instrument flight fundamentals.
Exam sponsor: South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
25 questions
Time Limit
45–60 minutes
Passing Score
75% (CAR 61.01.10)
Exam / Certification Fees
Approximately R425–R450 per sitting (SACAA Part 187 fee schedule)
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Night Air Law and Regulations
SACAA CARs/CATS Part 61 Subpart 8 & SA-CATS 61.08 night rating requirements, Part 91 operational rules, definition of night, recency, and VFR weather minima.
Night Meteorology and Local Weather Hazards
Terrestrial radiative cooling, Katabatic winds, mountain waves, radiation fog, surface temperature inversions, wind shear, and night VFR weather planning.
Human Performance, Vision and Visual Illusions at Night
Scotopic vs photopic vision, rods and cones, dark adaptation, rhodopsin, night blind spot, scanning techniques, autokinesis, somatogravic illusion, and black-hole effect.
Aircraft and Aerodrome Lighting and Instrument Equipment
Navigation lights (port, starboard, tail), anti-collision lights, PAPI/VASI glide path indications, runway lighting systems, dual instrument instruction requirements, and instrument failure briefings.
Preparing for the SACAA Night Rating Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 75% (CAR 61.01.10)
- Exam length: 25 questions
- Time limit: 45–60 minutes
- Exam / certification fees: Approximately R425–R450 per sitting (SACAA Part 187 fee schedule) Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
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SACAA Night Rating: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the flight experience requirements for a SACAA Night Rating under CAR Part 61 Subpart 8?
Applicants must complete a minimum of 10 hours of dual instrument instruction (of which a maximum of 5 hours may be in an approved FSTD/simulator), at least 5 takeoffs and 5 landings by night under dual instruction, a dual night cross-country flight of at least 150 NM with full-stop landings at two different aerodromes away from base, 5 hours of ground theory instruction, and pass both the SACAA theoretical examination and practical skills test.
How is 'Night' legally defined in South Africa under SACAA regulations?
Under South African CARs, 'night' is defined as the period starting 15 minutes after official sunset and ending 15 minutes before official sunrise. Official times are determined by the South African Astronomical Observatory.
What score is required to pass the SACAA Night Rating exam?
Pursuant to SACAA CAR 61.01.10, the pass mark for all theoretical knowledge examinations is 75%. There is no negative marking.
What are the recency requirements to act as PIC carrying passengers at night?
To carry passengers on a night flight, the pilot must have executed at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings at night in an aircraft of the same category and class (or type, if applicable) within the preceding 90 days.
How much does the SACAA Night Rating exam cost?
The official SACAA examination fee is approximately R425–R450 per sitting as determined by the SACAA Part 187 fee schedule. Approved ATO examination centres may charge an additional administrative or invigilation fee.