Answer to “What Would You Do? #1 – Chasing Sunset into Class Charlie”

Let’s break it down and fly through this decision with a clear head and some FAR-flavored facts.

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First, what are the legal considerations?

1. You’re not night current

   Under 14 CFR §61.57(b), if you haven’t done 3 full-stop landings at night (1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise) in the last 90 days, you legally cannot carry passengers.

   ➤ But you’re alone, so this doesn’t disqualify you. No problem here—yet.

2. Are you allowed to land after sunset?

   The key here is 91.209(a)(1), which requires position lights from sunset to sunrise.

   ➤ Sunset at KAMA is 5:39 PM. Your ETA is 5:47 PM.

   ➤ If your aircraft has position lights and you turn them on at sunset, you’re legal to land.

3. What about being in Class C without talking to ATC?

   91.130(c)(1) says you must establish two-way radio communication with ATC before entering Class C airspace.

   ➤ You haven’t called approach yet, and you’re 40 miles out—that’s okay for now, but if you try to “slip in” without a radio call, you’re going to bust airspace.

   ➤ Plus, without two-way comms, ATC can deny you entry, and you’d be in violation.

4. Landing without a flashlight on board

   If you’re operating at night under VFR, 91.205(c) (required equipment for night flight) states you need:

   • Position lights ✅

   • Anti-collision lights ✅

   • Adequate power source ✅

   • A spare source of light (not specifically listed here, but good practice and often checked on checkrides)

     ➤ Technically, you’re okay if you land before civil twilight ends at 6:06 PM (per FAA definitions of night in 1.1).

     ➤ But without a flashlight accessible, this becomes a safety concern, not a legal one—if something fails during landing (panel lights, etc.), you’re in a sketchy situation.

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So, what would I do?

I’d do the safe, smart, and professional thing:

1. Call Amarillo Approach ASAP

   At 40 miles out, contact ATC, get a squawk, and establish two-way comms to legally enter Class C airspace. (91.130(c))

2. Turn on all lights

   Sunset is at 5:39 PM. You’re landing at 5:47 PM. Lights on early, no excuses. (91.209(a))

3. Double-check the airport lighting

   Make sure the runway lights at KAMA are on (and not pilot-controlled). If needed, use 3 clicks on CTAF or confirm with Approach. Don’t assume they’ll be on just because it’s a big airport.

4. Reconsider if anything feels off

   If I felt rushed, if ATC was slammed, or if visibility worsened, I’d divert before entering Class C to a nearby untowered field, with lighting already on and no need for a clearance.

5. Reflect on my preflight planning

   This flight danced close to legal and environmental limits. I should’ve:

   • Known sunset and civil twilight times beforehand

   • Verified I was night safe, not just night legal

   • Had my flashlight accessible

   • Contacted ATC way earlier (even if just for flight following)

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