Definition
The period between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the Air Almanac and converted to local time. Used in aviation regulations to define when night-specific rules apply, such as position light requirements and night currency for carrying passengers.
Plain English
The official dark hours used by aviation rules — roughly the time after evening dusk has fully ended and before morning dawn begins.
Context Anchor
Seen in NOTAMs, airport notes, procedures, and other shortened aviation text where space is limited.
Derivation
NGT is a shortened written form of “night,” made by removing letters to keep aviation messages brief. The word “night” comes from Old English “niht,” meaning the dark part of the day.
Why Pilots Care
Several rules — position lights, recent flight experience for carrying passengers, and equipment requirements — only apply at night. Knowing exactly when night begins and ends keeps a pilot legal and safe.
Intuition Check
Do not assume NGT simply means “whenever it looks dark.” In aviation, the exact night period may depend on the notice, procedure, or rule being used.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM stated the runway lights would be out of service NGT only.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot checked the aircraft lights before the NGT flight.