Cones = color/detail/day; rods = low-light/peripheral/motion.

Center of vision (fovea) is poor at night — use off-center viewing (5–10° off).

~30 minutes; protect with dim red/low light; avoid bright white light.

A fixed light appears to move when stared at — keep scanning, cross-check instruments.

Sloping clouds/ground lights mimic the horizon — trust instruments.

Unlit terrain on approach makes you fly low — back up with instruments/glidepath.

Preserves dark adaptation while reading checklists.

Position, anti-collision, and instrument lighting working; backup flashlight; extra fuel.

Required recent night takeoffs/landings — verify before the flight.

Plan extra fuel/reserve; weather/ceilings matter more at night.

Slow, off-center scan using peripheral (rod) vision.

Illusions & reduced visual cues over dark terrain — cross-check instruments, stay current.