A helicopter pilot has just completed an annual flight review and received a satisfactory endorsement. The pilot has not flown at night for several months. Before conducting a night flight with passengers, what is the minimum recent flight experience required by 14 CFR Part 61?
- AThree takeoffs and three landings to a full stop in a helicopter during the day within the preceding 90 days.
- BFive takeoffs and five landings to a full stop in a helicopter at night within the preceding 90 days.
- CThree takeoffs and three landings to a full stop in a helicopter at night within the preceding 90 days.
- DFive takeoffs and five landings to a full stop in a helicopter during the day within the preceding 90 days.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop in a helicopter at night within the preceding 90 days.
14 CFR 61.57(b) states that to act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers at night, a pilot must have made at least three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop in the same category and class of aircraft within the preceding 90 days. These takeoffs and landings must have been performed during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Day currency (14 CFR 61.57(a)) is three takeoffs and landings, but this question specifically asks about night flight.
- B. The requirement is three takeoffs and landings, not five, for night currency.
- D. This option combines incorrect numbers and the wrong time of day for night currency.
Night Currency for Passengers (14 CFR 61.57(b))
To carry passengers at night, a pilot must have performed at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop in the same category and class of aircraft within the preceding 90 days, during the period 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise.
- 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop.
- In same category and class of aircraft.
- Within preceding 90 days.
- Performed between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise.
Memory trick: 90 days, 3 up, 3 down, for passengers, day or night.