What recent flight experience documentation is required for carrying passengers at night?

The requirement for carrying passengers at night stipulates that a pilot must have completed three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days. This regulation is in place to ensure that pilots maintain their proficiency and familiarity with the aircraft they are flying, especially under the challenging conditions that night flying presents.

The three takeoffs and landings serve to demonstrate that the pilot is capable of safely operating the aircraft in various scenarios, including transitioning from ground to flight and back again in darker conditions, which can differ significantly from flying during the day. This requirement is particularly important for night operations where visibility is limited and precision maneuvers become more critical.

For instance, simply having one takeoff and landing or a certain number of flight hours does not adequately ensure that the pilot is prepared for the unique challenges of night flight. Therefore, the three takeoffs and landings make certain that pilots are regularly practicing and can handle the specific demands of nighttime operations safely.