I was filming a city skyline at 9:30 PM. I had anti-collision lights, but I hadn’t updated my Part 107 recurrent training to the 2021/2026 standards that allow night flight without a waiver. I crashed into a condo balcony. The owner sued. My insurance requested my “Night Flight Training Certificate.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Illegal Acts” Clause: Insurance covers accidents, not crimes. If you are flying at night without meeting FAA requirements (Part 107.29), you are operating illegally.
- Training Documentation: Since 2021, you don’t need a waiver if you have completed the updated Part 107 training. However, if you haven’t taken the online recurrent training, you are technically non-compliant.
- Anti-Collision Lights: The policy requires your aircraft to be “Airworthy.” Flying at night without visible strobes (3 statute miles visibility) makes the aircraft unairworthy in the eyes of the FAA and the insurer.
- Civil Twilight: Flying 30 minutes after sunset without lights is the most common reason for denied claims.
The “Why” (The Trap): “Compliance with Regulations”
Every aviation policy has a warranty: “Pilot must be in compliance with all Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).”
If you crash at night:
- Insurer checks FAA database for your Recurrent Training date.
- If expired or pre-2021 (old rules), you were not authorized to fly at night.
- Claim Denied.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I checked how strict insurers are on night rules.
1. SkyWatch
- Telemetry Check: They look at the flight log time vs. sunset time.
- Verdict: If you flew at night, they demand proof of strobes and training. No proof = No coverage.
2. Standard Aviation Policy
- Verdict: “If the FAA fines you for the flight, we usually won’t cover the liability arising from it.”
Comparison Table: Night Flight Requirements
| Requirement | FAA Rule | Insurance Implication |
| Anti-Collision Lights | Mandatory (3SM visibility) | No lights = Negligence (Denied) |
| Recurrent Training | Mandatory (Online) | Expired = Illegal Flight (Denied) |
| VO (Visual Observer) | Optional (usually) | Helpful for defense |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Take the Training: It’s free on FAA Safety Team (FAAST) website. Take the “ALC-677” Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent. Keep the PDF on your phone.
- Buy Strobes: Get Firehouse Technology or Lume Cube strobes. Stick them on.
- Log the Lights: In your flight log app (AirData/DroneLogbook), check the box “Anti-Collision Lights Installed.” This proves intent to comply.
- Check Sunset Times: Know exactly when Civil Twilight ends. Don’t guess.
FAQ
Q: Can I fly Recreational at night?
A: Yes, if you have lights and follow CBO (Community Based Organization) guidelines. But if you are doing a paid job, you fall under Part 107.
Q: Do built-in drone LEDs count?
A: Usually NO. DJI arm lights are for navigation/status, not anti-collision. They are rarely bright enough for the 3-mile requirement. You need add-on strobes.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of the FAASTeam completion certificate for “Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent.”]