FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the minimum requirement of takeoffs and landings a pilot must have completed in the past 90 days to act as pilot in command carrying passengers?

1. Two takeoffs and landings

2. Three takeoffs and landings

3. Four takeoffs and landings

4. Five takeoffs and landings

The correct answer is: Three takeoffs and landings

To act as pilot in command while carrying passengers, a pilot must have completed at least three takeoffs and three landings in the preceding 90 days. This requirement ensures that the pilot remains proficient and current in their takeoff and landing skills, which are critical phases of flight, especially when transporting passengers. The regulation protects safety by ensuring that pilots have recent experience handling the aircraft in situations that demand timely and accurate operational performance. The specification that these takeoffs and landings must occur during the day or at night, depending on the intended operations, further emphasizes the importance of recent and relevant experience. This requirement reflects not only regulatory compliance but also a commitment to maintaining competency in crucial flight operations.