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3 Answers

91.205 VFR Night Source of Electricity

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General Aviation

Source of electricity: does that mean a battery or an alternator? Does that mean that (answer to previous question) is not required for VFR day?

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3 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Nov 28, 2014

    Yes, it means a battery or alternator. Or a generator or lighting coil or anything else that would produce electricity.

    Since it doesn’t appear in 91.205(b), it is not required for day VFR.

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  2. Drew on Nov 28, 2014

    Are there aircraft that absolutely do not have a source of electricity? Does anyone happen know the reasoning for this regulation only being required for night?

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  3. Best Answer


    Kris Kortokrax on Nov 28, 2014

    Of course there are aircraft that have no source of electricity.

    I fly several antiques made from 1927 through 1930. They have no electrical systems, because they don’t need them. There are thousands of Cubs, Champs, Luscombes, Taylorcraft and other makes of airplanes, as well as gliders and balloons that have no electrical system.

    The reasoning for requiring it at night is that your position lights and anticollision lights are not candles. They need electricity to power them.

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