← All explained questions · Supplemental · XI — Night Operations

When flying at night over unfamiliar terrain, the recommended cruising altitude is

Choices

as low as practical.
Low altitude at night risks unseen-obstacle strikes.
✓ higher than day flight.correct
generally 2,000 ft AGL or more above terrain — to allow more time to identify a forced-landing area should the engine fail, and to clear unseen towers/wires. Higher altitude at night: more glide range if engine fails, more time to plan for terrain you can barely see, and increased clearance from unlit obstacles (radio towers, power lines, mountains). 2,000 ft AGL is a common minimum personal limit; many pilots use 4,000 ft AGL over featureless or mountainous terrain at night.
below 1,000 ft AGL for visual reference.
Below 1000 AGL is dangerous at night.
always above 10,000 ft.
10,000 ft is excessive for short hops.

Why

generally 2,000 ft AGL or more above terrain — to allow more time to identify a forced-landing area should the engine fail, and to clear unseen towers/wires. Higher altitude at night: more glide range if engine fails, more time to plan for terrain you can barely see, and increased clearance from unlit obstacles (radio towers, power lines, mountains). 2,000 ft AGL is a common minimum personal limit; many pilots use 4,000 ft AGL over featureless or mountainous terrain at night.

FAA source: AC 61-134, AFH Ch 11; AC 61-134 General Aviation CFIT Awarenessbrowse the reference library →

Covered in Supplemental · XI — Night Operations — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.