What's the MTBF of our engines?
I really enjoy flying at night for reasons already mentioned: smooth air, great views of city lights and sometimes stars, less traffic and radio chatter, etc. Of my 250 hours of flying almost 50% has been at night, which I believe is because I like to do day or weekend trips where we depart near sunrise, enjoy a day or weekend at our destination, and fly back at night.
Engine failure or cabin fire would be my biggest concerns, and while we're all trained to deal with an engine out, what's the probability? Yes, I know if it happens to you stat's are out the window, but is there a MTBF or some other metric on specific models or single-engine airplanes in general that would allow us to assess the risk?
As has already been said, everyone has their individual tolerances and perceptions of risk, and in reading some of the responses I started to question my own. I'd really never given flying at night it a second thought; though on 2nd thought, I guess I have:
1. My weather minimums are higher. No interest in flying low to stay under the ceiling or having any concern about visibility, etc.
2. Runways at both ends are hard surface, lit, and a continuously lit and towered field must be within 30 minutes of the destination (did have one occasion where pilot operated lighting failed).
3. Day or night I tend to fly cross-countries at 8,500 and 9,500 so if something does happen I have more options in terms of time and gliding distance.
4. Per my training 15 years ago, and even with GPS, my routes always overfly airports. While this is to increase safety by providing more options, it's benefit thus far has been for passengers that refuse to use the Little John in flight! (Flying over major roads was mentioned earlier and is also a great idea.)
5. I carry two handheld flashlights and a small one that I can strap on my head or clip on a hat, each with red/white light.
6. Handheld radio with VOR receiver/display and spare batteries. This after a an experience with a mid-flight alternator failure, drained battery, all electrical equipment dead, and with landing near sunset. Again, good training and flying at 5,500 made navigating to and landing at the field uneventful.
7. I always file a flight plan and get flight following on any cross-country, day or night.
8. I've always been very familiar with the planes I fly and the quality of their maintenance. No guarantee, but increases confidence.
So, while I said I've never given night flight a second thought, obviously due to training and experience, over time at least, I have.
Chris