Legal Night Flight w/o Medical?

[ANewHope]

I've been lurking here a long time. I'm a ppl with 3 kids under 9. I haven't flown in 4 years, but most of my last 100 hours was at night. I flew at night so I wasn't taking time from the family (I'd go when they were asleep).

I would love to get back up.aviation is my passion and I let it go "for my family", but it's led to hard feelings. Changes in the interim have me looking at Sport, preferably, or gliders. No rentals near me, so on top of being time away from the family to fly, I have a 50 minute drive each way to the nearest LSA rental. Not looking good.

Is there a way to legally fly at night without a medical (and without a friend on board)?

[drseti]

Happy to have you lurking here, NewHope. The only way I can think of to do this legally is to add a glider rating at the PPL level (not just a glider class add-on under SP rules) and fly a night-approved motor glider.

[Cluemeister]

Paul,

What specific aircraft would fit that description? Certain models of the Pipistrel?

[drseti]

Pipistrel, Lambada, Phoenix, Grob, Scheibe, and Stemme come to mind

[MrMorden]

Sonex Xenos model motorglider as well if you are okay with a homebuilt.

[SportPilot]

.......

[Cluemeister]

We don't have newer LSA close by here either, but there is a flying club with an Aeronca Champ nearby. Have you checked to see if any flying clubs near you have one of those?

Still doesn't solve night flying issue, but at least you could have a shorter drive!

[ANewHope]

Thanks all. It's weird, to me. There are LSA at Aurora (KARR - towered airport about 1:20 from me). And there is a Bushcat at Galt (10C - about 50 minutes North of me). I would have thought, near Chicago, there would be numerous rental opportunities.

I haven't found any clubs with LSA in the area.

I have to make time. Appreciate the feedback. On the motor glider, do you need a medical to get the ppl Addon?

[drseti]

No, you don't. That's one of the great things about a glider (or airship) rating -- you can get and use them even if you have a revoked or denied medical!