What is the requirement for a recreational pilot to act as pilot in command without a recent flight check?

The correct response reflects a critical regulation for recreational pilots. Specifically, a pilot wishing to act as pilot in command (PIC) must have logged fewer than 400 hours in total flight time and not flown as PIC for the preceding 180 days. This regulation ensures that pilots maintain their currency and proficiency, as a prolonged absence from piloting can lead to skill degradation, regardless of total experience.

The stipulation of having fewer than 400 hours acknowledges the different experience levels among pilots. By enforcing this regulation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emphasizes the importance of current experience while providing a structured approach that aims to safeguard flight safety and pilot competency.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the established regulations for recreational pilots. For instance, simply having logged 200 hours or not having flown as PIC in the past 30 days does not satisfactorily address the currency aspect required by regulations. Additionally, having at least 10 hours of flight time in the past 30 days does not ensure compliance with the broader regulation regarding the total flying hours and the specific duration of inactivity as PIC, which is crucial to avoid lapses in skills and situational awareness.