Which of the following is a primary concern during night helicopter operations?

The primary concern during night helicopter operations is indeed the increased risks related to visibility. At night, pilots are faced with reduced natural light, which significantly impacts their ability to see the terrain, other aircraft, obstacles, and navigation landmarks. This decreased visibility can hinder situational awareness and make it more challenging to manage the aircraft safely.

In night operations, visual cues that would normally assist in navigation and obstacle avoidance during the day are not as readily available. This necessitates a greater reliance on instruments and increases the workload for pilots. Enhanced lighting, such as that from landing lights and other onboard systems, can help, but it does not completely mitigate the risks associated with limited visibility.

Thus, heightened awareness, use of night vision technologies where applicable, and adherence to sound operational practices are crucial to mitigate these risks. Understanding the implications of visibility is essential for safe night flying, making it the most significant concern in helicopter operations after dark.