Daylight, Golden Hour, Blue Hour, Twilight Restricted Airspace for Rec Pilots? I am confused.

[Skyryder]

So I live near the edge of a 5 mile radius of an airport, all flight basically need LAANCE. I know recreational pilots cant fly at night in restricted airspace but what is the actual cut off? The moment the sun is below the horizon? Before that during golden hour? 20 minutes after it sets when it's still bright out also known as blue hour or twilight?

 

[DoomMeister]

§107.29 defines night ops as the hours between sunset and sunrise and LAANC requires a 107 certification to authorize flight in controlled airspace at night and must have anti collision lighting.

This article from the Aloft website also defines how §107 pilots can apply for clearance for night flight in controlled airspace covered by the LAANC system.

How to Apply for LAANC at Night in Controlled Airspace- Aloft

Learn how to use new features like LAANC at night, improved design, convenience & overlap for airspace authorizations on the recently updated Aloft app.

www.aloft.ai

 

[Vic Moss]

Anything outside daylight hours in controlled airspace needs a 107. So sunrise to sunset.

 

[MavicAir2Marc]

There are many apps that will tell you when it is considered sunset (or sunrise) in your area. I use Photo Pills but I'm sure you could also find the information online.

 

[MS Coast]

So I live near the edge of a 5 mile radius of an airport, all flight basically need LAANCE. I know recreational pilots cant fly at night in restricted airspace but what is the actual cut off? The moment the sun is below the horizon? Before that during golden hour? 20 minutes after it sets when it's still bright out also known as blue hour or twilight?

A five-mile radius around an airport relative to drone operation has meaning only in the past and in lingering folklore.

Have a look at the B4YOUFLY mobile app or use the desktop version to check your intended flight locations. It's the official word from the FAA.

https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly

The Pilot Institute produced a good summary of night operations rules for both Part 107 and recreational flights.

Can I Fly My Drone At Night: Pilotinstitute.com

Both Part 107-licensed and recreational drone pilots can now fly their drones at night without having to apply for a waiver.

pilotinstitute.com