Passenger-carrying currency, three landings in 90 days.

Day rule

14 CFR 61.57(a) says a person may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying persons, or certificated for more than one pilot, unless that person "has made at least three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days", acted as sole manipulator of the flight controls, and made them in the same category, class and type (if a type rating is required). For an airplane with a tailwheel the landings must be full-stop landings in a tailwheel airplane. A pilot may build this experience in day VFR or day IFR with no passengers or property aboard other than what the flight needs. An approved full flight simulator or training device in a part 142 course counts.

Night rule

Under 61.57(b), to carry passengers between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise, the three takeoffs and landings must be to a full stop during that same night period. Only a full flight simulator approved for takeoffs and landings, with the visual system set to night, substitutes. A turbine-powered airplane that is type certificated for more than one pilot may be exempt from the night rule in some cases (61.57(e)(4)).

How the calculator counts

The three landings must all be inside the 90 days before the flight. So the oldest of the three controls: you can carry passengers through the date that is 90 days after the oldest one. If the oldest is June 1, 2026 the last day is August 30, 2026. Landing again keeps the window moving, since the oldest of the latest three changes.

Limits

Part 121, 125 and 135 pilots follow their operator rules (61.57(e)). This does not replace the flight review or medical requirements.

FAQ

How many landings do I need to carry passengers?

Three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days, as sole manipulator of the controls, in the same category, class and type.

Does the night rule differ?

Yes. Night passenger flights need three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise.

Do touch-and-goes count?

Day experience does not require full stops except in a tailwheel airplane. Night landings must be to a full stop.

Do I need to be current to fly without passengers?

Not under 61.57(a) and (b); the rule applies to carrying persons or to aircraft certificated for more than one pilot.

Can a simulator count?

A full flight simulator or flight training device approved for landings and used in an approved part 142 course counts for day. Night needs a simulator approved for takeoffs and landings with a night visual.

Does 90 days mean three months?

No. It is a count of days, which this calculator adds to the date of the oldest qualifying landing.

Sources

Retrieved 2026-11-02. Statute and regulation text read through the eCFR API (current as of 2026-10-29) or the publisher URLs below.

• 14 CFR 61.57, Recent flight experience: Pilot in command: 90-day takeoff and landing rules (a), (b); instrument experience (c), (d).