Regulation Text
(a) Subject to the limitations of paragraph (b) of this section, a person is not required to comply with the night flight training requirements of this subpart if the person receives flight training in and resides in the State of Alaska.
(b) A person who receives flight training in and resides in the State of Alaska but does not meet the night flight training requirements of this section:
(1) May be issued a pilot certificate with the limitation “night flying prohibited.”
(2) Must comply with the appropriate night flight training requirements of this subpart within the 12-calendar-month period after the issuance of the pilot certificate. At the end of that period, the certificate will become invalid for use until the person complies with the appropriate night flight training requirements of this subpart. The person may have the “night flying prohibited” limitation removed if the person—
(i) Accomplishes the appropriate night flight training requirements of this subpart; and
(ii) Presents to an examiner a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor that verifies accomplishment of the appropriate night flight training requirements of this subpart.
Research Notes
Regulatory Cross-References
§ 61.131 provides a limited exception to the night flying requirements for commercial pilot applicants who live in certain areas of Alaska and Hawaii where there is essentially no night during portions of the year. An applicant who trained in Barrow (now Utqiagvik), Alaska during the summer months faces genuine difficulty completing night flying requirements because civil twilight persists through the night.
The Exception in Practice
If an applicant obtains a commercial pilot certificate under the § 61.131 exception (without meeting night requirements), the certificate is issued with a limitation: "Night flying prohibited." To remove this limitation, the applicant must log the required night hours and apply for removal per § 61.131(b).
Key Authorities
- AC 61-65J — endorsement and certification guidance for limited certificates
- FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Handbook — handling night limitation endorsements
Geographic Applicability
The exception applies to applicants based in Alaska north of 68 degrees latitude and Hawaii. It is uncommon in practice but operationally significant for bush operators and remote Alaskan communities.
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
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AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.
CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.