What is a key preparation step for a pilot to adapt their eyes for night flying?

The key preparation step for a pilot to adapt their eyes for night flying involves avoiding bright white lights at least 30 minutes before the flight. This practice is essential because exposure to bright light can hinder the natural process of night vision adaptation. When pilots limit their exposure to bright light, they allow their eyes to adjust more effectively to the lower light levels they will encounter during night flying.

The eyes contain a pigment called rhodopsin, which is crucial for vision in low-light conditions. When bright light is present, rhodopsin is broken down, and it takes time for it to regenerate. By minimizing bright light exposure, pilots can ensure that their eyes are primed for optimal performance in darkness, thereby enhancing their ability to detect obstacles and instruments during night operations.

In contrast, using bright, white LED lights and keeping cockpit lights on bright are contrary to the goal of adapting to darkness, as they would interfere with the eye's adjustment process. Similarly, wearing sunglasses prior to flying, while effective in reducing glare during the day, does not contribute positively to night vision adaptation and could even impede the eyes' ability to adjust to the night environment.