Your cousin wants you to take him flying. To do this legally, you must have made at least three takeoffs and three landings in your aircraft within the preceding

• A. 15 days
• B. 45 days
• C. 90 days
• D. 180 days

Answer: (C)

The main idea is pilot currency for carrying passengers. To legally act as PIC and fly someone as a passenger, you must have completed at least three takeoffs and three landings in the same category and class of aircraft within the last 90 days. This recent practice requirement helps ensure you’re current with the basic flight maneuvers needed when a person other than the crew is aboard.

The three takeoffs and landings must be done as the pilot in command in the same type of aircraft you’ll be flying with a passenger. If you’re outside that 90-day window, you’re not yet current to carry a passenger until you regain currency—typically by performing the required takeoffs and landings again with a safety pilot or by completing a flight review with an instructor, depending on regulations.

The other time frames listed don’t satisfy the regulation, so 90 days is the correct window.