To fly a Special VFR clearance at night, what certification is required?

To fly under a Special VFR (SVFR) clearance at night, a Private pilot certificate with an instrument rating is required. This requirement is in place because SVFR operations involve navigating and operating in controlled airspace under meteorological conditions that can be less than the minimums established for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight.

An instrument rating ensures that a pilot has the necessary skills and knowledge to operate an aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which includes use of instruments for navigation in low visibility conditions. This is critical at night, as visibility can be significantly reduced without natural light. Additionally, the regulatory framework necessitates that the pilot has the appropriate certification for the aircraft operation, which includes the ability to manage instruments and handle potential emergencies effectively.

While student, commercial, and recreational pilot certificates allow for various flight privileges, they do not meet the specific requirements for flying SVFR at night, particularly because the levels of training and proficiency needed for nighttime instrument operations are not inherent in those certifications. Thus, the correct choice is the Private pilot certificate with an instrument rating.