For night operations, what is the recency requirement to act as PIC carrying passengers?

For night operations, what is the recency requirement to act as PIC carrying passengers?

• A. At least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days in the same category and class of aircraft to be used
• B. 3 takeoffs and 3 landings in any aircraft within 120 days
• C. 2 takeoffs and 2 landings to a full stop in the last 60 days
• D. No special requirement

Answer: (A)

The key idea is currency for operating at night as PIC with passengers. To be current, you must have completed at least three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days, and those takeoffs and landings must be in the same category and class of aircraft you’ll be using. This rule ensures you have recent, practical experience handling the aircraft in the actual conditions you’ll face during night operations, including the landing and traffic pattern dynamics. The flights can be day or night, as long as the 3-3 count is in the same category and class and within the 90-day window. The requirement to land to a full stop is important—touch-and-goes do not count toward the 3-3.

The key idea is currency for operating at night as PIC with passengers. To be current, you must have completed at least three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days, and those takeoffs and landings must be in the same category and class of aircraft you’ll be using. This rule ensures you have recent, practical experience handling the aircraft in the actual conditions you’ll face during night operations, including the landing and traffic pattern dynamics.

The flights can be day or night, as long as the 3-3 count is in the same category and class and within the 90-day window. The requirement to land to a full stop is important—touch-and-goes do not count toward the 3-3.