in congested ramp and parking areas. Some helicopters have  a hover light in addition to a landing light, which illuminates  a larger area under the helicopter. When operating at an unfamiliar airport at night, ask for  instructions or advice concerning local conditions, so as to  avoid taxiing into areas of construction, or unlighted, unmarked  obstructions. Ground controllers or UNICOM operators are  usually cooperative in furnishing this type of information. All recently manufactured aircraft certificated for night  flight must have an anticollision light that makes the aircraft  more visible to other pilots. This light is either a red or white  flashing light and may be in the form of a rotating beacon  or a strobe. While anticollision lights are required for night  visual flight rules (VFR) flights, they may be turned off any  time they create a distraction for the pilot. One of the first steps in preparation for night flight is to  become thoroughly familiar with the helicopter’s cockpit,  instrumentation, and control layout. It is recommended that  a pilot practice locating each instrument, control, and switch,  both with and without cabin lights. Since the markings on  some switches and circuit breaker panels may be difficult  to read at night, be able to locate and use these devices, and  read the markings in poor light conditions. Before starting  the engine, make sure all necessary equipment and supplies  needed for the flight, such as charts, notepads, and flashlights,  are accessible and ready for use. Traffic patterns are covered in Chapter 9, Basic Flight  Maneuvers, but the following additional considerations  should be taken into account when flying a helicopter in a  night traffic pattern: Check all interior lights with special attention to the instrument  and panel lights. The panel lighting can usually be controlled  with a rheostat or dimmer switch, allowing the pilot to adjust  the intensity. If a particular light is too bright or causes  reflection or glare off the windshield, it should be adjusted or  turned off. As ambient light level decreases from twilight to  darkness, intensity of the cockpit lights is reduced to a low,  usable intensity level that reduces any glare or reflection off  the windshield. The light level should be adjusted to as close  to the ambient light level as possible. A flashlight, with red or  blue-green lens filter, or map light can supplement the available  light in the cockpit. Always carry a flashlight with fresh  batteries to provide an alternate source of light if the interior  lights malfunction. If an existing map/utility light is used, it  should be hand-held or remounted to a convenient location.  In order to retain night adaptation, use low level light when  using your checklist. Brief your passengers on the importance  of light discipline during night flight so the pilot is not blinded,  causing loss of dark adaptation. Before takeoff, make sure that there is a clear, unobstructed  takeoff path. At airports, this is accomplished by taking  off over a runway or taxi way, however, if operating off- airport, pay more attention to the surroundings. Obstructions  may also be difficult to see if taking off from an unlighted  area. Once a suitable takeoff path is chosen, select a point  down the takeoff path to use for directional reference. The  landing light should be positioned in order to illuminate  the tallest obstacles in the takeoff path. During a night  takeoff, notice a lack of reliable outside visual references  after becoming airborne. This is particularly true at small  airports and off-airport landing sites located in sparsely  populated areas. To compensate for the lack of outside  references, use the available flight instruments as an aid.  Check the altimeter and the airspeed indicator to verify the  proper climb attitude. An attitude indicator, if installed, can  enhance attitude reference. Use extra caution when starting the engine and engaging the  rotors, especially in dark areas with little or no outside lights.  In addition to the usual call of “clear,” turn on the position  and anticollision lights. If conditions permit, also turn the  landing light on momentarily to help warn others that the  engine is about to start and engage the rotors. Landing lights usually cast a beam that is narrow and  concentrated ahead of the helicopter, so illumination to the  side is minimal. Therefore, slow the taxi at night, especially  The first 500 feet of altitude after takeoff is considered to be  the most critical period in transitioning from the comparatively  well-lit airport or heliport into what sometimes appears to be  12-8 Taxi Technique Engine Starting and Rotor Engagement Takeoff Cockpit Lights Night Traffic Patterns 1.  The minimum recommended pattern height at night  is 1,000 feet when able. 2.  If possible, consider taking the right hand night pattern  with fixed wing in the left hand pattern for extra  separation, but if needed, conform and integrate with  the fixed wing using the same pattern height. 3.  Be extra vigilant on abiding with noise abatement  procedures at night. 4.  Always plan to use the lit runway at night for  unaided (no night vision equipment) approaches and  departures. 5.  Avoid downwind and crosswind approaches at night  when able.