FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Regulations (14 CFR 61/91)Medium
A certificated private pilot last logged 3 night takeoffs and landings to a full stop 95 days ago. The pilot now wants to carry a passenger on a flight departing 1 hour after sunset. According to 14 CFR 61.57, may this pilot legally carry the passenger?
- ANo, because night flights always require an instrument rating
- BNo, because night currency requires 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days
- CYes, because the landings occurred within the preceding 6 calendar months
- DYes, because daytime currency automatically satisfies night requirements
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, because night currency requires 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days
14 CFR 61.57(b) requires 3 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 95 days have elapsed, the pilot is not current.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Night flight does not require an instrument rating under Part 91 VFR operations.
- C. The rule specifies 90 days, not 6 calendar months, for night passenger currency.
- D. Day and night currencies are separate requirements under 61.57(a) and (b).
Night Passenger Currency (61.57(b))
To carry passengers at night, a pilot must have made 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop during the night period within the preceding 90 days.
- Night period: 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise
- Must be to a full stop (not touch-and-go)
- Separate from day currency requirement (61.57(a))
- Applies only when carrying passengers
Memory trick: Ninety days, night, full stop — three landings after dark to carry a spark (passenger).