When is the best time to perform night-time ground operations?

Performing night-time ground operations when moonlight illuminates the area is advantageous due to enhanced visibility. Moonlight can significantly improve the ability to see surrounding obstacles, other aircraft, and runway or taxiway markings, which is crucial for maintaining situational awareness during ground movements in low-light conditions. Adequate visibility helps in ensuring safe and efficient operations by reducing the risk of accidents and collisions.

Other factors such as wind conditions, runway clearance, and traffic volume do not directly enhance visibility. While calm winds might make for more stable operations, and checking for cleared runways is part of pre-takeoff protocols, these do not provide the same improvement to visual awareness as natural lighting does. Additionally, navigating during peak traffic hours can lead to an increased risk of congestion and confusion on the ground, making it less ideal for safe operations at night. Moonlight, therefore, is a significant factor in improving the safety and efficacy of night-time ground operations.