Hi all,
Just wanting some clarification on a topic that everyone seems to have an opinion on - earliest departure time for a flight at first light as a VFR non-NVFR or IFR endorsed pilot.

We all know you must land 10mins before last light - i've looked through the AIP and VFG without any luck, as well as asking multiple instructors, all of which have said variations on;
- 10mins before first light,
- at first light,
- 10mins after first light...someone even said 15mins before first light...bankstown instructor.



A reference from anywhere would hugely appreciated.
Cheers
Bv

First light is first light. Why on earth would anyone suggest that you depart any time before that? You do not have to wait until ten minutes after first light because once first light occurs, it is not going to get dark again later on.

There is no time allowance applying to first light either before or after.

Bob

Much appreciated Bob!
I was thinking that re: only going to get lighter, but an instructor i know seemed to think that you would have to wait 10mins due to it still be quite dark ie; EFATO would be better handled with more vis in terms of landing or LL circuit.

Thanks again for clarifying.

Hello .. the law says an aircraft must not depart from aerodrome before first light .. but are ground movements like taxi allowed before ?

Thanks
JP

AIP ENR 1.2 Visual Flight Rules says that unless the pilot holds a Command Instrument Rating or a Night Rating, a VFR flight cannot depart before first light. That implies that you can taxi before first light as long as you do not actually become airborne.

Wonderful thanks a lot for the clarification Have a happy new year !

JP

And don't forget Benvincent, you CAN land within the last 10 minutes of light, AIP states that you must PLAN to land 10 minutes prior. If you ever plan your ETA 10 minutes prior to last light, and arrive 5 minutes late, don't think that you are forbidden to land