A recreational pilot may fly as sole occupant of an aircraft at night under the supervision of a flight instructor provided the flight or surface visibility is at least what?

A recreational pilot can indeed fly at night as the sole occupant of an aircraft under the supervision of a flight instructor, but certain visibility requirements must be met to ensure safety. The requirement for a minimum surface visibility of 5 statute miles is in place to help pilots maintain situational awareness and navigate effectively in the nighttime environment.

At this visibility range, pilots are better able to see other aircraft, significant landmarks, and any potential obstacles that could impact their safety during the flight. Having 5 miles of visibility provides a buffer that helps compensate for the reduced visual references available at night, ensuring that the pilot, even under the instruction, has adequate visual conditions for safe operation.

This regulatory standard reflects the importance of visibility in aviation safety, particularly during nighttime operations, where darkness can significantly limit perception and reaction time.