FAR 61.57 requires three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days to legally carry passengers, with separate and stricter rules for night flying, tailwheel aircraft, and instrument operations.
PatternFAR 61.57 requires three takeoffs and landings in 90 days to carry passengers, but the night currency rule demands full-stop landings - a critical distinction many pilots miss.
PatternFAR 61.57 governs pilot currency for passengers and IFR flight - here's exactly what counts, what doesn't, and where certificated pilots quietly get it wrong.
PatternFAR 61.57 requires three takeoffs and landings within 90 days to carry passengers - but night, tailwheel, and instrument rules add critical layers every pilot needs to know.
PatternThe AOPA Foundation's Rusty Pilots program has returned 15,000 lapsed aviators to active flying since 2013, offering a structured path back to currency for pilots who stepped away.
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