FAR DECODED — TITLE 14 CFR

Equipment Requirements: Over-the-top or Night VFR Operations

Regulation Text

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.

The short answer

(14 CFR § 91.507) No one may operate an airplane over-the-top or at night under VFR unless it carries the instruments and equipment required for IFR operations under § 91.205(d), plus one electric landing light for night operations. Each required item must be in operable condition.

Research Notes

Common Questions

What equipment does § 91.507 require for over-the-top or night VFR flight?

It requires the full IFR instrument and equipment set under § 91.205(d), and for night, one electric landing light.

“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.” — 14 CFR § 91.507

How many landing lights are required at night under this rule?

One electric landing light is required for night operations under this section.

“…and one electric landing light for night operations. Each required instrument and item of equipment must be in operable condition.” — 14 CFR § 91.507

Must the required equipment be working before the flight?

Yes. Each required instrument and item of equipment must be in operable condition under § 91.507.

“Each required instrument and item of equipment must be in operable condition.” — 14 CFR § 91.507

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