FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsMedium
A pilot plans to carry three passengers on a flight departing at 2100 local time. The pilot's logbook shows the last three landings to a full stop at night were made 95 days ago. Under 14 CFR 61.57, is the pilot currently qualified to carry these passengers on this flight?
- ANo, because night currency requires landings within the preceding 60 days, not 90
- BYes, because only 90 days of currency is required for daytime landings, not night
- CNo, because the required three night takeoffs and landings to a full stop must have occurred within the preceding 90 days
- DYes, because any night landings within the preceding 6 months satisfy the requirement
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. No, because the required three night takeoffs and landings to a full stop must have occurred within the preceding 90 days
14 CFR 61.57(b) requires three takeoffs and landings to a full stop during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise within the preceding 90 days to carry passengers at night. Since the pilot's currency lapsed 5 days ago, the pilot is not current for this flight.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The correct period is 90 days, not 60.
- B. Night currency does have a specific 90-day requirement separate from day landings.
- D. The requirement is 90 days, not 6 months.
Night Passenger Currency
14 CFR 61.57(b) requires 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at night within the preceding 90 days to carry passengers during the night period.
- Night period defined as 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise.
- Full-stop landings are required, not touch-and-go, for this specific currency.
- Separate from the 61.57(a) day currency requiring only 3 takeoffs/landings in any 90 days (may include touch-and-go).
Memory trick: "Ninety days, full stop, after dark — three landings keep your passenger mark."