A recreational pilot must have what before flying at night?

Before a recreational pilot can fly at night, it is essential for them to have a night-flying endorsement from an instructor. This endorsement signifies that the pilot has received the necessary training and demonstrated the ability to operate an aircraft safely during nighttime conditions. It includes understanding the unique challenges that night flying can present, such as reduced visibility and reliance on navigational aids, which differ from flying during the day.

The focus of the night-flying endorsement is to ensure that the pilot is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to handle the specific risks associated with night operations. It's a critical step in ensuring safety and proficiency for pilots who wish to expand their flying capabilities into nighttime.

While high-performance endorsements, VFR endorsements, and multi-engine ratings all pertain to specific aspects of pilot qualifications and aircraft operation, they do not specifically address the requirements for safe night flying. Therefore, those endorsements do not replace the need for a dedicated night-flying endorsement to ensure preparedness for operating in low-light environments.