For night flights using NVGs or TAWS, what is the minimum visibility requirement for non-mountainous cross country flights?

For night flights utilizing Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) or Terrain Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS), the minimum visibility requirement for non-mountainous cross country flights is indeed 3 miles. This standard is established to ensure that pilots have adequate visual references while flying at night, which is particularly important due to the increased challenges associated with reduced light conditions.

Having a minimum visibility of 3 miles provides a reasonable buffer for pilots to navigate safely and maintain situational awareness. The additional distance helps to account for obstacles that may not be visible until relatively close, thus enhancing safety during operation in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Furthermore, this requirement aligns with regulatory standards that aim to minimize the risk of incidents during night operations, particularly for those using advanced night vision technologies.