Night
Night, for aviation purposes in Canada, is defined as the period between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight. Civil twilight ends when the sun is 6° below the horizon in the evening and begins when the sun is 6° below the horizon in the morning.
Night vs. Astronomical Dark
The aviation definition of night is broader than astronomical night (sun below 18°). Civil twilight provides useful natural light for aviation purposes — taxiing, exterior inspection, and horizon reference — so the night period starts only when this natural illumination is no longer adequate. For flight planning, published civil twilight times are available in the CFS and weather resources.
Night Operations Requirements
At night, VFR pilots must have a Night Rating (Canadian PPL-N). Additional equipment is required: navigation lights, anti-collision light, landing light, and instruments for night VFR (attitude indicator, heading indicator). Night VFR weather minima are higher than day VFR. A Night Rating requires additional training and a flight test.