Pilot qualification: Recent experience

This regulation sets currency requirements for Part 121 airline pilots. To serve as a required pilot, you must have completed three takeoffs and landings in that aircraft type within the preceding 90 days. These can be done in the actual airplane or an approved Level B or higher flight simulator.

If you fall out of currency, you must re-establish it under check pilot supervision with three takeoffs and landings that include specific maneuvers: one takeoff with simulated engine failure, one ILS approach to the carrier's lowest authorized minimums, and one full-stop landing.

When using a simulator for currency, all required crew positions must be filled by qualified people, and the simulator must be operated normally without using repositioning shortcuts. The FAA may grant deviations based on related aircraft designations if the carrier can demonstrate equivalent safety.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*