Australia CASA Instrument Proficiency Practice Exam

When a pilot is within 5 nautical miles of an aerodrome at night, it is crucial to establish that they are clear of clouds and in sight of the ground or water. This requirement ensures that the pilot maintains visual reference to the terrain or water beneath them, which is essential for safe navigation and landing in conditions where the horizon may not be clearly visible.

Maintaining visual reference helps the pilot gauge their altitude and approach, which is particularly important at night when visual cues are limited. Being in sight of the ground also aids in situational awareness, enabling the pilot to identify runways, obstacles, and other aircraft. This criterion aligns with the principles of visual flight rules (VFR) and is vital for ensuring safety during the critical phases of flight near an aerodrome.

Other options, such as maintaining cloud cover, flying straight until landing, or strictly following the Instrument Landing System (ILS), do not address the primary need for visual reference and situational awareness required when approaching an aerodrome at night. Thus, the correct focus on being clear of cloud and in sight of the ground or water is essential for safe piloting in these conditions.