What is necessary for a pilot to act as pilot-in-command on a flight carrying passengers?

To act as pilot-in-command on a flight carrying passengers, it is essential for the pilot to have logged at least three takeoffs and landings within the previous 90 days. This requirement ensures that the pilot maintains recent experience and proficiency in operating the aircraft, particularly in terms of flight operations such as takeoff and landing, which are critical phases of flight. The purpose of this regulation is to enhance safety by ensuring pilots are not only qualified in terms of their certificate but also adept and current in their flying skills.

This requirement does not include specifications related to night landings, instrument ratings, or medical examinations, although each of those points can play significant roles in a pilot's overall qualification. Night landings are not explicitly necessary for carrying passengers during the day. Similarly, while a current instrument rating is crucial for flying in certain conditions, it is not a blanket requirement for all flights with passengers. Medical certification is necessary for all pilots but does not specifically address the takeoff and landing currency needed for the flight in question. Hence, maintaining recent experience through takeoffs and landings directly supports the safety of flights carrying passengers.