FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsMedium
A private pilot's most recent three night full-stop landings were logged on September 15. The pilot wants to carry a passenger at night on December 20. Under 14 CFR 61.57, is the pilot current to carry the passenger?
- AYes, because night currency lasts 12 calendar months
- BYes, because only day landings must be current for passenger-carrying flights
- CNo, because five landings, not three, are required for currency
- DNo, because more than 90 days have elapsed since the qualifying landings
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. No, because more than 90 days have elapsed since the qualifying landings
To carry passengers at night, a pilot must have made 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at night within the preceding 90 days. From September 15 to December 20 is more than 90 days (roughly 96 days), so the pilot is not current.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Night landing currency is a 90-day requirement, not 12 months.
- B. Night passenger-carrying specifically requires night landing currency.
- C. Three, not five, night full-stop landings satisfy the requirement.
Night Passenger Currency
To carry passengers at night, a pilot needs 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at night within the preceding 90 days, per 61.57(b).
- 3 full-stop landings required
- Must occur at night (1 hr after sunset to 1 hr before sunrise)
- Valid for 90 preceding days
Memory trick: Three landings in the dark keep your passengers safe for 90 days