Recent flight experience: Pilot in command

In plain English

"Currency" rules make sure you've flown recently enough to carry passengers or fly IFR. To carry passengers you need three takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days in the same category, class and (if required) type — to a full stop at night or in a tailwheel aircraft. Instrument currency requires recent approaches, holding, and course tracking.

Key points

• Passenger currency: 3 takeoffs/landings in 90 days (full-stop at night or in tailwheel).
• Night passenger currency uses landings done one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
• Instrument currency: within 6 months — 6 approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking courses (the "6-HIT").
• Lapsed instrument currency can be regained by an Instrument Proficiency Check.

Common pitfalls

• Confusing the flight review (61.56) with currency (61.57) — you need both.
• Letting instrument currency lapse past the 6-month "grace" window, forcing an IPC.

*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.*