For a pilot to carry passengers at night, what is the minimum requirement within the previous 90 days?

To carry passengers at night, a pilot is required to complete three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop within the previous 90 days in the same category and class of aircraft. This requirement is set forth to ensure that the pilot is familiar with the specific aircraft they are operating and that they have maintained their proficiency in the maneuvers needed for safe operation, particularly in the more challenging conditions presented at night.

The emphasis on "full stop" landings is crucial since it involves the complete sequence of landing and taxiing back to the ramp, demonstrating a pilot's ability to handle the aircraft in all aspects of landing operations. Completing these maneuvers in the same category and class of aircraft ensures that the pilot maintains their skills pertinent to the aircraft type they will be flying, which is essential for safety and compliance with regulations.

By contrast, other options do not meet the specific requirements for night operations. For instance, merely performing three takeoffs and three landings in any aircraft does not ensure that the pilot has the necessary experience with the specific aircraft they will be flying at night. Likewise, performing these maneuvers in day VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions does not meet the nighttime proficiency requirement, as the challenges of flying at