How do you calculate sunrise and sunset?

Sunrise and sunset can be estimated from date, latitude, longitude, and time zone using standard solar position equations.

Why do pilots use sunrise and sunset calculations?

Pilots use sunrise and sunset estimates for day and night planning, timing awareness, and preflight preparation.

Why do latitude and date matter?

Sunrise and sunset vary with both date and geographic location, especially with changes in latitude and season.

Aviation Training Experts

Sunrise and Sunset Calculator

Q: Does this calculator replace official day and night references?

No. This calculator is a planning aid. Pilots should always use applicable regulations, official references, and current operational guidance.

Estimate sunrise, sunset, and daylight duration using date, latitude, longitude, and UTC offset. This free aviation calculator helps pilots with day and night planning awareness.

Calculate Sunrise and Sunset

Enter a date, latitude, longitude, and UTC offset to estimate local sunrise and sunset times.

Important: This calculator is a planning aid only. Always use applicable regulations, official references, and current operational guidance for legal day, night, and currency decisions.

Sunrise and Sunset Calculator

Date

Latitude (decimal degrees)

North is positive, south is negative.

Longitude (decimal degrees)

East is positive, west is negative.

UTC Offset (hours)

Enter local offset from UTC. Example: Eastern Standard Time = -5.

How It Works

Inputs Used:
Date, latitude, longitude, and UTC offset

Outputs:
Sunrise, sunset, and daylight duration

Planning Note:
Results are estimates based on standard solar calculations and do not replace official references.

High latitudes and unusual seasonal conditions can produce no sunrise or no sunset on some dates.

What Is a Sunrise and Sunset Calculator?

A sunrise and sunset calculator estimates the times the sun rises and sets for a given date and location. For pilots, this is useful for general day and night awareness, planning departures and arrivals, and understanding changing daylight conditions throughout the year.

Because sunrise and sunset vary with latitude, longitude, season, and time zone, a coordinate-based calculator can provide a useful planning estimate without requiring a specific airport database.

Why Pilots Use a Sunrise and Sunset Calculator

Estimate sunrise and sunset for flight planning
Improve awareness of daylight duration
Support night and daytime operation planning
Practice time and location-based planning during training
Compare seasonal daylight changes at different locations

Sunrise and Sunset FAQ

Can this calculator show no sunrise or no sunset?

Yes. At some latitudes and dates, the sun may not rise or set in the usual way. This can happen in high-latitude locations during certain seasons.

Should I use decimal latitude and longitude?

Yes. This calculator expects decimal degrees for easier direct entry and calculation.

Does the UTC offset change with daylight saving time?

Yes. If daylight saving time applies, use the correct local UTC offset for the date and location being planned.

Is this enough for legal night currency decisions?

No. This calculator is a planning aid only. Pilots should always use applicable regulations, official definitions, and current operational guidance.