What ceiling and visibility requirements must a pilot-in-command of an airplane meet for VFR operations outside controlled airspace at night?

For VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations outside controlled airspace at night, the requirements set the minimum standards for safe navigation and to ensure that pilots have adequate visibility and clearance from the ground.

The chosen answer specifies a ceiling of 3000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) and visibility of 16 kilometers, which aligns with the regulations established for night flying under VFR outside controlled airspace. These requirements ensure that pilots have sufficient altitude above potential obstacles and a broader visibility range to navigate safely, avoid collisions, and effectively make visual contact with the terrain and other aircraft.

In particular, the visibility requirement of 16 km is crucial for pilots to maintain adequate separation from other aircraft and to ensure they can see weather phenomena or other hazards in their path. The ceiling requirement is likewise intended to provide pilots with a buffer above any terrain or obstacles, which might be more difficult to see at night without visual aids such as lights.

While other options present lower ceiling and visibility parameters, they do not meet the necessary standards established for safe night VFR operations. Thus, the selected answer correctly articulates the specific requirements that ensure safety and operational effectiveness during night flights outside controlled airspace.