For night PIC recency, must the three takeoffs and three landings be to a full stop?

For night PIC recency, must the three takeoffs and three landings be to a full stop?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if weather dictates
• D. Only with an instrument rating

Answer: (A)

Night PIC recency is about having recent practice with the exact maneuvers you’ll perform at night. The rule requires that, within the last 90 days, you have completed three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop as PIC in the same category and class of aircraft. Those landings must end with the aircraft at rest on the surface; partial or touch-and-go landings don’t count. This guarantees you’ve demonstrated the full landing sequence and ability to stop and regain control in darkness. Weather conditions or holding an instrument rating don’t change this requirement. You still must have those three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop to be considered current for night PIC.

Night PIC recency is about having recent practice with the exact maneuvers you’ll perform at night. The rule requires that, within the last 90 days, you have completed three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop as PIC in the same category and class of aircraft. Those landings must end with the aircraft at rest on the surface; partial or touch-and-go landings don’t count. This guarantees you’ve demonstrated the full landing sequence and ability to stop and regain control in darkness.

Weather conditions or holding an instrument rating don’t change this requirement. You still must have those three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop to be considered current for night PIC.