When preparing for a night flight, what should an sUAS pilot be aware of after assembling and conducting a preflight using a bright flashlight or work light?
Why →
The human eye requires approximately 30 minutes to fully dark-adapt after bright light exposure. During dark adaptation, rhodopsin (a light-sensitive pigment in rod cells) regenerates. Exposure to bright white light resets this process.The trap →
Once adapted to darkness, eyes are EXTREMELY sensitive to bright lights, which completely resets adaptation. LED flashlights are just as disruptive as incandescent. The LED type doesn't help. Red-light flashlights are the aviation standard.SOURCE → FAA Aeronautical Information Manual, FAA UAG Sample Question 43CHECKED APR 21ACS V.A.K8MED