How many take-offs and landings are required for passenger carrying currency?

For a pilot to carry passengers, current regulations require that the pilot has completed three take-offs and three landings within the preceding 90 days. This requirement is in place to ensure that the pilot maintains proficiency in essential flight maneuvers which are critical for safety when carrying passengers.

The rationale behind having a 90-day window is to allow pilots ample time to stay current without the pressure of needing to fly within a shorter timeframe, such as 30 days. This fosters a balance between maintaining skills and managing the practicalities of flying, ensuring that when pilots do take passengers, they have adequate recent experience. Achieving this currency requirement helps ensure that pilots are familiar with the performance and handling characteristics of their aircraft, particularly during the critical phases of take-off and landing, which are fundamental to flight safety.

Meeting the three take-off and landing requirement within a 90-day period demonstrates the pilot’s ongoing engagement with flying, ensuring that they remain skilled in managing the aircraft during these crucial times.