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Lesson 11.2 – Currency Requirements
Holding a Private Pilot certificate is not enough by itself. You must also remain current to exercise certain privileges, especially carrying passengers. These rules are found in 14 CFR Part 61 and are frequently tested on the knowledge exam.
Reference
14 CFR §61.56 (Flight Review)
14 CFR §61.57 (Recent Flight Experience: Pilot in Command)
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Passenger-Carrying Currency (Day)
Passenger-Carrying Currency (Day)
To act as pilot-in-command carrying passengers during the day, you must have performed at least:
3 takeoffs and 3 landings
within the preceding 90 days
in an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required)
These landings may be touch-and-go or full-stop.
Passenger-Carrying Currency (Night)
Passenger-Carrying Currency (Night)
To act as pilot-in-command carrying passengers at night, you must have performed at least:
3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop
at night (beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise)
within the preceding 90 days
in an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required)
Night currency landings must be full-stop.
Flight Review
Flight Review
Every 24 calendar months you must complete a flight review that consists of:
At least 1 hour of ground instruction
At least 1 hour of flight training
An endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you have satisfactorily completed the review
If your flight review expires, you may not act as pilot-in-command until you complete a new one.
Instrument Currency (If Applicable)
Instrument Currency (If Applicable)
If you hold an instrument rating and wish to exercise it under IFR, additional currency requirements apply (6 approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking courses within the preceding 6 calendar months). These are beyond the basic Private Pilot certificate but are good to know if you plan to pursue the rating later.
Practical Examples
Practical Examples
Last day landings with passengers: February 10 → You remain day-passenger current until May 10.
Last night full-stop landings: April 5 → You remain night-passenger current until July 5.
Flight review completed on September 15, 2025 → Next flight review is due by September 30, 2027.
Key Points
Key Points
3 takeoffs and 3 landings within 90 days are required to carry passengers (day).
Night passenger currency requires 3 full-stop landings at night within 90 days.
A flight review is required every 24 calendar months.
Currency is tracked by category and class of aircraft.
It is your responsibility as pilot-in-command to ensure you are current before carrying passengers.
Links:
Intro to Aviation & Airplanes
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Primary Flight Controls & the Three Axis
Stability, Controllability & Adverse Yaw
Engine Instruments & System Monitoring
Pilot Certification & Privileges
Medical Certificates & BasicMed
Flight Rules (Part 91 Highlights)
Airport Marking, Signs, & Lighting
Traffic Patterns & Airport Operations
Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas
Airport Facility Directory & Chart Reading
The Atmosphere & Atmospheric Pressure
Airmasses, Fronts & Weather Patterns
Thunderstorms, Turbulence, Icing & Other Hazards
Weather Reports, Forecasts & Charts
Common Weak Areas & How to Fix Them
Private Pilot Privileges & Limitations
Lesson 11.2
Currency Requirements
Medical Certification & Basic Med After the Check ride
Continuing Education & Proficiency
Engine Failure & Forced Landings
In-Flight Fires & Electrical Problems
System and Instrument Failures
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