FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Medium
A commercial pilot has not flown as sole manipulator of the controls in any airplane for 75 days. She wants to act as PIC carrying passengers on a daytime VFR flight in a single-engine airplane. Under 14 CFR 61.57(a), what must she do first?
- AComplete a flight review since more than 60 days have elapsed since her last flight
- BComplete an instrument proficiency check before the flight
- CNothing is required because 75 days is within the currency window for night operations only
- DMake 3 takeoffs and 3 landings in an aircraft of the same category and class within the preceding 90 days
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Make 3 takeoffs and 3 landings in an aircraft of the same category and class within the preceding 90 days
14 CFR 61.57(a)(1) requires 3 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days in an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required) to act as PIC carrying passengers; these landings may be made during the day or night. Since her currency lapsed, she must satisfy this requirement before carrying passengers.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The flight review under 61.56 has a 24-calendar-month cycle, unrelated to the 90-day landing currency.
- B. An instrument proficiency check applies to IFR currency under 61.57(c)/(d), not VFR passenger currency.
- C. 75 days without landings does exceed the 90-day window's safety margin but is still within it, and night-specific rules under (b) are separate from the day requirement.
61.57(a) Passenger Currency
To act as PIC carrying passengers, a pilot must have made 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days in an aircraft of the same category and class (and type if required).
- 90-day rolling window
- Landings may be day or night
- Type rating required aircraft also needs matching type experience
Memory trick: Three landings, ninety days, keeps the passengers safe always.