First published 1979
The cockpit grows dark as evening settles over the airfield. Paul Garrison guides readers through the unique challenges and rewards of piloting single-engine aircraft after sunset. The book explores the technical demands of night navigation, from reading instruments in low light to managing radio communications with air traffic control. Garrison examines weather considerations specific to nighttime flying, including temperature inversions and reduced visibility conditions. He covers emergency procedures when mechanical problems arise miles from the nearest airport with only stars for company. The narrative weaves together practical flying techniques with the psychological aspects of solo night flight. Pilots must overcome natural hesitation about flying in darkness while maintaining sharp focus on safety protocols. The book captures both the isolation and freedom that come with steering a small plane through the night sky above sleeping towns and empty highways.
Genres: science, non-fiction, aviation
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: first-person-narrative, technical-manual
143 pages · Hardcover · Tab Books