What should a recreational pilot consider regarding flight visibility when operating at night?

When operating at night, a recreational pilot should ideally aim for flight visibility above 5 statute miles. This consideration is important due to several factors that can affect visibility in nighttime conditions, including the absence of natural light, the presence of atmospheric phenomena such as haze, and the potential for increased difficulty in identifying other aircraft or obstacles. Operating with visibility above 5 statute miles helps ensure that a pilot has a greater margin for safe navigation and situational awareness, thereby reducing the risk of encountering unexpected hazards.

While regulations set minimum visibility requirements (such as 3 statute miles), aiming higher supports safer operational practices, especially when flying at night where visual references are less pronounced.