I tried applying for a Part 107 waiver to fly after sunset and they keep replying that I don't provide enough explanation as to how the P4P will be safely flown at night.
Can anybody give me some tips, or key words as to what information they want to hear?  I have heard others say they were granted the waiver and I see videos of people flying after dark so I know it must be possible.
Can anybody help?

I would think the videos you see of people flying after dark are not officially sanctioned flights.

I suggest you tell us what you've told them, and we'll see where the weakness in your info is.  

Re: the videos:  The night restriction is in part 107, which doesn't apply to recreational flyers.  You as a 107 pilot may not be able to legally fly drunk and at night and over people, but little Jimmy can.

I have never applied for a waiver but I would think that you need to state that you plan to maintain line of sight, unaided view of the quadcopter, and state that you plan to use a visual observer.

Irate Retro Posted at 2017-10-21 16:32
Re: the videos:  The night restriction is in part 107, which doesn't apply to recreational flyers.  You as a 107 pilot may not be able to legally fly drunk and at night and over people, but little Jimmy can.

If a private jet pilot can text me while his plane is 1 minute from wheels down, I should be able to fly at night while sitting on the toilet.  Oh, you probably didn't want that illustration, did you?

LOL... Thanks again Retro...

Kuya Kano Posted at 2017-10-21 17:54
I should be able to fly at night while sitting on the toilet.

Hmmm I think we found the problem.  Maybe delete that part from your waiver request and resubmit it to the FAA?

Kuya Kano Posted at 2017-10-21 17:54
If a private jet pilot can text me while his plane is 1 minute from wheels down, I should be able to fly at night while sitting on the toilet.  Oh, you probably didn't want that illustration, did you?

Aloha Kuya Kano,

     Here are the guidelines the FAA provides for the waiver.  My friend recently got rejected because the project manager did not provide enough information about what the project was about to justify the waiver.

Guidelines for the Applicant;

Provide a method for the remote pilot to maintain visual line of sight during darkness.

Provide a method for the remote pilot to see and avoid other aircraft, people on the ground, and ground-based structures and obstacles during darkness.

Provide a method by which the remote pilot will be able to continuously know and determine the position, altitude, attitude, and movement of their small unmanned aircraft.

Provide a method to assure all required persons participating in the small unmanned aircraft operation have knowledge to recognize and overcome visual illusions caused by darkness, and understand physiological conditions which may degrade night vision.

Provide a method to increase conspicuity of the small unmanned aircraft to be seen at a distance of at least 3 statute miles unless a system is in place that can avoid all non-participating aircraft.

     Hope this helps!  I think the last one is easy to dismiss if you do not intend to fly more than 400 feet from the base or launch point.  But, you would have to eplain that.

Aloha and Drone On!

Yes, we have a 4 year waiver to fly at night. One of very few in VA

Cetacean Posted at 2017-10-22 00:51
Aloha Kuya Kano,

     Here are the guidelines the FAA provides for the waiver.  My friend recently got rejected because the project manager did not provide enough information about what the project was about to justify the waiver.

Thank you for sharing that.  Third time is a charm.

Still loving these diminutive Lume Cubes, that are bright enough to light the way... Ha

There are ways to help illuminate the night sky...

RedHotPoker

Kuya Kano Posted at 2017-10-22 15:45
Thank you for sharing that.  Third time is a charm.

Kuya
Good to see you back!

Check this person out...DRONR, he states that he was approved for a night waiver and if you contact him he might help explain what he needed to do to get it.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJkqLBNHIDHztoMp6zSeEhw

Good Luck

Genghis9 Posted at 2017-10-22 16:26
Kuya
Good to see you back!

Thank you for sharing that.  I subscribed and will check out his information.

Good to see you back Kuya!

Lucas775 Posted at 2017-10-22 18:02
Good to see you back Kuya!

Maraming salamat po.  Tara na sa Pilipinas sa anim na lingo.  Sobrang excited!!!
Bringing the Phantom 4 Pro to Manila and Palawan.

Kuya Kano Posted at 2017-10-22 18:23
Maraming salamat po.  Tara na sa Pilipinas sa anim na lingo.  Sobrang excited!!!
Bringing the Phantom 4 Pro to Manila and Palawan.

Wow, excited na excited ka! have fun po.