Night VFR Equipment

FAR 91.507 — Night VFR Equipment

FAR 91.507 sets equipment requirements for over-the-top or night VFR operations under Part 91 Subpart F, including IFR instruments and a landing light.

In Plain English

FAR 91.507 applies to large and turbine-powered multiengine airplanes operated under Subpart F. It says you cannot fly an airplane over-the-top or at night under VFR unless the airplane has:

All the instruments and equipment required for IFR operations under § 91.205(d) (the "IFR equipment list"), and
One electric landing light for night operations.

Every required instrument and piece of equipment must be in operable condition before flight.

Why it matters operationally: even though you're flying VFR, conditions over a cloud layer or at night can quickly degrade visual reference. The rule ensures that if you lose the horizon — for example, between cloud layers on top or in a dark, moonless sky — you have the gyros, navigation gear, and other IFR-required instruments to maintain control and navigate safely. The landing light requirement adds a safety margin for the landing phase at night.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.507

§ 91.507 Equipment requirements: Over-the-top or night VFR operations. No person may operate an airplane over-the-top or at night under VFR unless that airplane is equipped with the instruments and equipment required for IFR operations under § 91.205(d) and one electric landing light for night operations. Each required instrument and item of equipment must be in operable condition.

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1/5

You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What equipment is required to operate a large or turbine-powered multiengine airplane over-the-top or at night under VFR?

Per FAR 91.507, the airplane must have all instruments and equipment required for IFR operations under § 91.205(d), plus one electric landing light for night operations, and each item must be in operable condition.

Q2If the airplane's required attitude indicator is inoperative, can you legally depart on a night VFR flight under Subpart F?

No. FAR 91.507 requires every instrument and item of equipment listed for IFR operations under § 91.205(d) to be in operable condition for night VFR or over-the-top flight.

Q3Does FAR 91.507 require a landing light for daytime over-the-top VFR flight?

No. FAR 91.507 only requires the electric landing light for night operations; for over-the-top operations the rule still requires the § 91.205(d) IFR equipment to be installed and operable.

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